Charles Miller

Charles Miller, born June 11, 1942, in Moatsville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at the age of 83 at the WV Caring Hospice Center in Elkins, West Virginia.

He was the son of the late Dale and Mabel Miller, and grew up near Moatsville.  Charles was a devoted and faithful husband to his wife of 57 years, Judy Miller of Criders, Virginia. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

He is survived by his children, Aron Miller (Patricia) and Kent Miller, whom he proudly supported through countless hours of coaching basketball and baseball, and by attending their games in basketball, cross country, and track. He was a caring grandfather to Samira, Lucas, Davis, and Carson Miller, who brought him great joy. Charles is also survived by his siblings, Gary Neal Miller, Sharon Ashcraft, and Larry Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters-in-law, Marilyn Miller and Faye Miller; and his brother-in-law, Ron Ashcraft.

A 1960 graduate of Belington High School, Charles went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from West Virginia University in 1964. His career with the U.S. Forest Service spanned four decades, serving in Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina. He retired in 2004 as District Ranger of the Tusquitee Ranger District in Murphy, NC, where he was highly respected for his leadership, his dedication to preserving our natural lands, and his service in fighting wildfires across the country.

In addition to his career in forestry, Charles served six years with the National Guard and was known as an excellent marksman.  Beyond his professional life, Charles found deep joy in the outdoors and was especially devoted to his family’s farm, where he worked tirelessly to preserve the legacy of his parents and grandparents. He was as equally skilled as a tractor driver as he was fearless, navigating any terrain with confidence.

Charles gave generously of his time to his community, serving as a dedicated board member of both the Rotary Club and the Farm Bureau. He was also a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at the Church of Christ in Murphy, NC.

He will be remembered as a man of faith, service, and integrity—loved and appreciated by all who knew him. His family extends special thanks to his dear friend and caregiver, Tamma, and to the staff at WV Caring Hospice for their kindness and care.

Friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory, 220 N. Walnut Street, Philippi, WV, on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 3:00–7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with Minister Jim Johnson officiating. Interment will take place at Mount Morris Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

P.O. Box 5014

Hagerstown, MD 21741

West Virginia Caring

169 Diamond Street

Elkins, WV 26241

Charles Miller will be dearly missed but never forgotten.