Gene Douglas Skiles

Gene Douglas Skiles, 86, of Bradley, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2026 — fittingly, on the birthday of his beloved late wife, Vera, as though she had called him home herself.

Gene was born in Stotesbury, West Virginia, the son of the late James and Cora Skiles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Skiles; his five brothers, including Denny and Bill Skiles; and his sisters, Betty-Jo and Minna Lea.

A devout Christian man whose faith anchored every part of his life, Gene was the true cornerstone of his family — a hardworking provider who never wavered in his commitment to those he loved. He spent many years working in the mining industry as a strip miner, driving a rock truck, before retiring as a security guard at the National Mine Academy.

Those who knew Gene remember him fondly for his trademark "say it like it is" honesty — a man of few wasted words. He had a deep love for sports and the outdoors, and found his greatest peace in quiet moments on his back porch, simply taking in the beauty of the world around him.

Gene leaves behind a family who will cherish his memory always: his son, Mark Skiles, and Mark's wife, Debbie; and his daughters, Kim (Skiles) Hatfield and Pamela (Skiles) Hilliard and her husband, Matthew. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Tyler Skiles, Tucker Skiles, Jessica (Hatfield) Kidder and her husband Robert Kidder, Khristian Hatfield, Kaylee Hilliard-Van Grouw and her husband, Nathanal, and Erika Hilliard and her fiancé, Austin Gwinn. Four great-grandchildren also brought him immense joy in his later years, and he is further survived by a loving circle of nieces and nephews.

A short entombment ceremony will be held at Blue Ridge Cemetery's Mausoleum #3, Chapel of Faith, on Monday, August 31, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia in Gene's memory.