Ernest "Ernie" Ray Mikles

He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Graham Mikles, mother, Mary Kathleen Shadrick, sister(s) Michelle Shadrick & Joanie Merrill.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances, his son Kelly (Carol) Mikles, his daughter Tracey Rae Mikles and granddaughters Ella and Jazmin Rose.

Ernie was born September 9th, 1944, in Welch, West Virginia. Ernie graduated from Pineville High School in 1962 and went on to serve in the United States Army (Vietnam) from 1962 – 1965. Upon returning from his service duty, Ernie returned to Richmond, Va where he worked in life insurance prior to entering a long and successful career in the coal industry in West Virginia, Virginia, Utah, Kentucky and returning to West Virginia working for the state in the department of environmental protection for 21 years.

Ernie was devoted to his family, friends and pets. He was a loving soul, who enjoyed every day. He enjoyed a good joke, and enjoyed laughing, and was good to everyone he came in contact throughout each day.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the special caregivers at the Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia and the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center.

Funeral Services for Ernie will be on Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at 2 PM at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. There will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday, October 25th from 6PM to 8PM at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. Ernie will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens following the service on Sunday.

In Lieu of flowers, Frances requests donations be made to 74eagles.com. 74eagles is a project from the heart to revitalize the school that served the community of Virgie from 1939-2013, 74 years. All 3 of their children attended Virgie High School.

Virgie, Ky will always be a special place & time to Ernie and Frances as from 1980 to1987 as Ernie oversaw the operations of Virginia Iron Coal and Coke (Enterprise Coal).

To Send Flowers in memory of Ernie Mikles visit:Crystalsfloralandgifts.com