December 8, 1935 – February 15, 2026
Reverend Johnny S. Liles, Michigan Conference retired elder, was born on Dec. 8, 1935 to Odus and Eileen Liles in Drasco, Arkansas. He has gone on to be with his Lord on February 15, 2026 at the age of 90.
Johnny lived by the commandment “Love thy neighbor.” He served as a United Methodist minister, area director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and missionary to the Philippines starting the General Baptist Bible College, among other roles.
Curious about the world and confident in his ability to meet new challenges, he left Arkansas as a high school graduate at age 16, attended college in Indiana then seminary in Kentucky, and was sent to pastor several churches before being sent to a church in Michigan.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, M. Joanne, and survived by his wife Lynda, son J. Bruce Liles, daughter Rebecca (James) Stewart, daughter Elizabeth (Ronald) Hatt, and grandchildren Sierra, Ariel, Tara, Garrett and Marcus. He is also survived by his sister Patsy (Gary), brother Rodger, and sister-in-law Norma. He was beloved by all. His acts of service, compassion, and sincerity will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held from 3-8 PM on February 18, 2026 at the Modetz Funeral Home Silverbell Chapel located at 100 East Silverbell Road, Orion, MI 48360 and from 10-11 AM, one hour prior to the funeral service at 11 AM, on February 19, 2026 at Rochester: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church located at 620 Romeo Road, Rochester, MI 48307. Condolences may be shared online at Modetz Funeral Home Silverbell Chapel.
*Liles, Johnny S. (Lynda)–[(RE) P 1989, on recognition of orders, General Baptist Convention; F 1991; RE 2004] Warren: First (assoc) 1988; Rochester Hills: St. Luke’s 3/16/1990; Retired 7/1/2004.
Last Updated on February 17, 2026