Mr. Charles Wilbur Miles Sr. went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the age of 96 with his family by his side. Charles was born in Willis Wharf, the son of Sally and Richard Miles. He graduated from Northampton High School in 1948 and joined the U.S. Navy in November of that year. While in the Navy, he married his high school sweetheart, Rita Russell, and they just celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary.
Charles was preceded in death by two children, Charles Miles Jr. (Aubbie) and Lita Suttle (Gary).
He is survived by his wife, Rita; his son, Wayne Miles (Donna); his daughter, Elaine Yeatman (Steve); and nine grandchildren, Cole and Charlie Miles; Miles, Jessie, and Lita Elaine Suttle; and Tim, Kyle, Rachel, and Wesley Yeatman.
Charles was a hard-working, successful manager/supervisor at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company for 40 years until he retired at 60. He spent the following 36 years enjoying time with his family, taking adventurous trips with Rita, collecting model trains, and attending New Covenant and All Generations Church in Newport News. He lived his life encouraging all of us that “Everything will be alright!”
A graveside service was held at Belle Haven Cemetery on Tuesday, June 17, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Aid Society at [email protected], 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
