Roosevelt K. Miles Jr was blessed to find a way to shine in the mist
of darkness. Who is Roosevelt K. Miles Jr? He is a remarkable
individual who has proven that if you put God first nothing is
impossible. He was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He goes
by the name of Theo and is the owner and operator of Theo's Shoe
Shine. His business is located inside the front window of Leddy's on
Sundance Square in Downtown Fort Worth. Mr. Theo is no stranger to
shining shoes. Theo, 55 years old, has been shining shoes for 20
years. After growing up in Bakersfield, he went off to the military
for 7 years. He moved back to California for 20 years and found
himself here in Texas in 2006. He has a very interesting story on how
he ended up in Texas. He grew up on welfare and started shining shoes
at the age of 12. He shined shoes in 8 different places including Los
Angeles and Virginia. He was discharged from the military of an
unfortunate injury. He had several major surgeries, disabling him to
do the work he was accustomed to doing. Theo's mom taught him to work
for a living. After growing up on welfare, going back to that wasn't
an option for Theo. Theo was unable to find work anywhere, so a friend
opened up a barber shop in California. In conversation one day Theo
told a friend that it use to be a time when a person was able to get a
shoe shine and hair cut at the same location. He soon developed a
reputation for his flawless shines. He went from Watts California all
the way to Beverly Hills. He was afforded the opportunity to shine the
shoes of John Wayne, President Bush, O.J. Simpson and countless
others. He puts God first and gives him all the glory for his gift of
shining shoes. If you google him, Shoe Shine Fort Worth, you would
find really good ratings. He mentioned that he started using drugs at
a very young age. He was delivered from drugs and alcohol and is
coming up on 8 years clean. He is a minister and enjoys working with
the youth. When Theo shines, he sits down on a stool and he does that
for a reason. He says' that in order to talk to you, he has to look up
to you'. In that position and spot he is reminded that he can't look
down on anyone. Before he shines, he gives his Shoe Shine stand back
to God. He is very thankful for his gift to shine. He takes time to
minister to people every chance he gets; He is a very humble man. His
favorite song is by The Williams Brothers, " I'm Just A NoBody Trying
To Tell EveryBody About Somebody Who Can Save Anybody." Theo has been
mentioned in several articles including The Fort Worth Star Telegram,
"Ex Addict Gone Straight, by Bob Ray Sanders. " Theo ended up in Fort
Worth through a friend gracious enough to help him get his life
together. Because of his integrity and committment to his work, his
ratings have been outstanding.

One person says and I quote ' Theo's shoe shine is flawless.'
Another says ' His shoe shine last a long time'
And others say ' His work is exceptional and he puts care and pride
into his work.'

So if you're looking for the best quality shoe shine, stop by and pay
him a visit. You won't be disappointed.

Story by: Pashen Riley
Photos by: Donnell Ballard