Roger Dale Miles

Roger Dale Miles, 81, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, of Florence, SC, transitioned from this life to heaven on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Roger was born on October 18, 1943, to the late Tillman Alexander Miles and Maebell Welch Miles in Lake City, SC. He and his devoted wife, Berttie Bullard Miles, were members of Grace Baptist Church for many years and presently Florence Baptist Temple. Roger’s Christian faith was evident in every conversation he had with family and friends. It was his greatest mission to share and live out the Gospel of Christ with everyone he encountered. Family was most important to Roger. He had eight siblings and was the first boy born after a succession of girls. As the new baby boy, he was doted on by his older siblings and later, was a role model for his younger siblings, all of whom were dear to him for the remainder of his life. His love and appreciation for his family started at a young age. In 1964, Roger married his beloved wife, both at that time just teenage sweethearts who would go on to share more than sixty treasured years together. They had two girls – Debbie and Kim – who completed their family. Roger was a highly sought-after paint contractor by trade, a skillset learned early in his career while working alongside his older brother M.C. He was appreciated for his hard work and attention to detail throughout his career. He brought that work ethic to the activities he enjoyed as well. As a young man, he spent time on the ballfield, excelling at fast-pitch softball, and later went on to have a passion for competitive weightlifting. He also enjoyed fishing trips with friends and family. Later in life he became a “Papa” to his grandchildren, which was one of his life’s greatest joys. For the grandkids, there was no better time spent than with “Gammy” and “Papa.” There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time on the porch talking with his family and friends. With a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, and a smile and personality that touched the lives of so many who crossed paths with him, he had many. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings: Marion Caleb Miles, Elsie Lyman, Dot Gaskins, Thelma Floyd, Alex Miles, and Nancy Lee. Surviving are his loving wife, Berttie; daughters, Deborah “Debbie” Miles (Vince) Payne and Kimberly Miles (Chris) Blum, all of Florence; niece, Jessica (Russ) Rowland of Lamar and children Wesley, Liam, and Thomas; grandchildren, Tori Payne of Florence, Sarah Payne of Charleston, Miles Blum of Florence, and Chase Blum of Florence; two brothers, Jay (Lou) Miles of Lake City, and Legran (Rosemary) Miles of Florence; a brother-in-law, Raymond (Pamela) Bullard of Florence; and two sisters-in-law, Mazie White of Florence, and Karen Miles of Walhalla; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 13, 2025, with a visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to the service at Florence Baptist Temple. Entombment will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Florence Baptist Temple at 2308 South Irby Street, Florence, SC 29505. Special thanks are given to Roger’s care team at McLeod Health, along with the nursing care he received while at McLeod Hospice House. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8