Jan 6, 2021

Longtime North Carolina blackberry, muscadine grower Miles Linberger dies

Miles Ervin Lineberger, 80, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina died Jan. 3 at Atrium Cleveland in Shelby, North Carolina, after a month long battle with COVID-19.

According to his obituary, Mr. Lineberger was born Jan. 27, 1940, in Dallas, North Carolina to Graham and Sarah Lineberger. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Lineberger of 36 years.

Also, surviving are his two sons, Todd (Tammy) Lineberger of Cornelius, NC , and Joel (Nikki) Lineberger of Hickory, NC; three daughters, Donna (Jim) Longwith of Rock Hill, SC, Sharon (Karl) Melcher of Canton, GA, April (Gannon) Berg of Hickory, NC; 8 grandchildren, Jake, Brian, Grady, Kevin, Cully, Emily, Devyn and Dalton; f

our brothers Everette Lineberger of Inman, SC; Harold (Patsy) Lineberger of Iron Station, NC, Paul (Retha) Lineberger of Raleigh, NC, and Daniel (Theresa) Lineberger of College Station, TX; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ervin’s mother, father, sisters Margaret Troutman and Eleanor Flowers; daughter Karen Lineberger and stepson, Chandler Thornburg preceded him in death.

Ervin earned a BS degree in Agricultural Education at North Carolina State University, his MA in Psychology at Appalachian State University, and his EdD in Administration at Nova Southeastern University.

Ervin’s first career began teaching agriculture, followed by 20 years in administration, eventually becoming the dean of instruction of Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory.

His second career began when he purchased his brother Harold’s 80 acre farm in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, where he and Debbie grew produce of all varieties, led tours and hayrides for school kids, and offered pick-your-own and ready picked produce at their farm market. Eventually his crops were limited to blackberries and muscadines which are sold wholesale all over the Southeastern U.S.

Ervin’s passion for teaching was evident in his willingness to educate farmers internationally who came to see his innovation in all aspects of farming.

Ervin served as president of the Blackberry Association, North Carolina Muscadine Growers Association and many others. In addition, he served on the board of the local Farm Bureau for 30 years. Killdeer Farm is used constantly as a place for research. He was a mentor to many growers over the years and is most remembered for his generosity of time in mentoring of future growers and the legacy he leaves in the farming industry.

Due to the pandemic, the family has decided to hold a Celebration of Life service at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain in early Spring when people can safely gather.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Readiness Fund at First Baptist Church, PO Box 786, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA or the CVCC Foundation Inc., 2550 Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602.

Guest register is available at WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM.