Rev. Orval Miles

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” Rev. Orval Dewayne Miles, affectionately known as “Papa” went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. He was born on February 18, 1940 in Pueblo, Colorado where he wed his beautiful bride, Shirley Miles of 61 years. He graduated from the great “Blue and White”, Central High School (Wildcats). He retired from the CF&I Steel Mill after more than 30 years of service. Rev. Miles was called to the ministry in 1989, licensed and ordained in 1990. He was a faithful member at New Bethany Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Senior Pastor for 21 years, Pastor Emeritus for the last year and served as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Trustee Board and Chairman of the Deacon Board. He received his ministerial certification from Denver Seminary. In 2003, he spearheaded the renovation project, under the direction of the Lord, which added a new sanctuary to New Bethany. He served as the President of the Pueblo Ministerial Fellowship, President of the Southern District Minister’s Evangelistic Commission, Moderator and Vice Moderator of the Southern District Association, 1st Vice President of the Western State Baptist Convention of Colorado and Wyoming, Moderator of the Royal Gorge Southern Baptist Association.

Rev. Miles loved sports and especially the Denver Broncos and was well-known for his delicious barbeque ribs. A wonderful husband, father and a man of God who loved the Lord, he leaves to celebrate his life, his beautiful wife Shirley; children, Sam (Christine) Armijo, Dewayne Miles, Quincy Miles, Monica (Van) Moore. Sister, Charlotte (James) Pulley. His precious grandchildren, Chaz Miles, Shay Favila, Mike Johnson, Jazalle McClendon, Rikki Gilford, VanMichael Moore, Mikalah Moore, Lorenzo Armijo, Marcus Uhrich, and Cyler Miles; beautiful great grandchildren, Jada Favila, Abella Brooklyn Taylor, Liliana Grace Gilford, and Samuel Armijo. A host of brother & sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, son & daughter’s in-law and friends. He is preceded in death by his second son, Brian Miles, his parents, Leonard & Mary Miles; brothers, Alfred, Eddie, Carl, Ray Miles and sister, Mary Louise Jackson.