Gene Byron Miles

Gene Byron Miles, 91, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Durham Ridge Assisted Living.

Born in Muncie, Indiana, Gene graduated from Muncie High School before attending Southern Methodist University in Texas and later earning his degree from Ball State University in Indiana.

A proud veteran, Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from July 1953 to May 1955, continuing his service in the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in July 1961.

For many years, he called Chicago, Illinois, home. An avid reader with a passion for science, he was a dedicated daily visitor to the Harold Washington Library, which he fondly regarded as “the best library in the country.” Four years ago, Gene relocated to Durham, NC, where he resided at Croasdaile Apartments.

Gene is survived by his twin brother, Jack Miles of California; nieces Debra Darnell of Prescott, Arizona, Lisa Gonzalez of Durham, North Carolina, and Lori Gonzalez of Tavares, Florida; as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his love of knowledge, his appreciation for libraries, and his unwavering curiosity about the world.

He is predeceased by parents Winfred and Anna Miles, sister Betty Jane Darnell, brother-in-law Harold Darnell and sister Carolyn Schmidt.