Thomas Willard Myles, 86, a well driller and salesman of drilling equipment, died Feb. 24 in Prince Frederick, Maryland, from congestive heart complications.

Mr. Myles was born in Big Spring, Texas, and was raised in nearby Ackerly. After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in World War II in England, France, Belgium, and the Philippines. For 20 years after the war he was engaged in well drilling, primarily in West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. In 1966 he began a second career as a sales representative for the drilling equipment manufacturer George E. Failing Co., working in Houston, Atlanta, New Orleans, Casper, Wyoming, and Midland, Texas. He retired in 1988.

Upon retiring, Mr. Myles resided until 2005 in Brownwood, Texas, where he was active in local organizations, including a term on the Board of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Myles was a lifelong supporter of Texas Tech University athletics. He also helped maintain his Army unit’s annual reunion. In 2005, he moved to Frederick, Maryland, for medical reasons.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Leona Rudeseal Myles of Frederick, Maryland, son Stanley Myles of Laytonsville, Maryland, and granddaughter Lee-Ellen Myles of Laytonsville, Maryland.