Dennis Michael Miles

Dennis Michael Miles, a loving father, cherished grandfather, and proud United States Marine Corps veteran, passed away peacefully on April 3rd, 2026, at the age of 75 in Bristol Regional Medical Center. A resident of Damascus, Va., Dennis was born on April 5, 1950, in Utica, N.Y., to the late Arthur and Marie Richer Miles.

Dennis bravely served as a military interpreter in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in action and decorated with multiple medals for his service. Upon returning to the U.S., he pursued his education, earning an Associate in Science degree from Howard College in Big Spring, Texas.

Dennis built a life in Southwestern Virginia after moving to Marion in 1988 following the birth of his son, and with his daughter arriving shortly thereafter. Throughout his life Dennis embraced several diverse professional roles, working as an oil tanker driver, factory-worker, an automotive mechanic, and a dairy farmer. A true lover of the outdoors, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener who maintained a lifelong passion for studying Marine Biology. He always had plants growing at his house and a desire to simply give them away. In his leisure time, he enjoyed competitive games of poker and chess. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, often enjoying rounds of golf with his son, attending local theater performances with his daughter, and spending time at the park with his two grandsons in his final years.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marie Richer Miles, and his two brothers, Larry and Kevin Miles. He is survived by his two children, Michael Patrick Miles of Abingdon, Va., and Jacqueline Marie Von Kundra and her husband, Derrick, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; five loving sisters, Ann Howard, Joan Smith, Judy Brown, Diane Miles, and Elaine Watkins; and his two beloved grandsons, Leonidas and Octavian Von Kundra.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 820 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210, with Fr. Christopher Masla officiating on Saturday, April 11th at 1:00 pm. Gravesite services, complete with full military honors, will  be announced as they are available. Flowers may be brought to the church.