CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former United States Attorney and Kanawha County Prosecutor Chuck Miller has died.
Miller’s distinguished career included four decades in the military, beginning when he was 17 years old. Miller served in Vietnam as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Navy. His service also included time as Judge Advocate General in the West Virginia Army National Guard and state Air National Guard. He later rose to become the legal advisor for the Director of the Air National Guard in Washington, D.C.
Miller spent four years as U.S. Attorney for Southern West Virginia, from 2005 to 2009, and ten years as Kanawha County Prosecutor.
His death was announced by the Kanawha County Commission Tuesday. He was 77.
Commission President Ben Salango told MetroNews that Miller will be sorely missed.
“Just a class act,” Salango said. “He was honest, he served his country, his county, and his state with integrity. It’s really hard to put into words just what the consummate professional he was; always doing the right thing.”
Miller grew up on a farm in Jackson County. His family eventually moved to Lincoln County, and he attended Hurricane High School, where he graduated at 16 years old. He turned in 42 years of military service, winning many awards over the years.
Salango said Miller lived an impressive life.
“He was in the military; he served in Vietnam,” Salango said. “He received numerous medals for his bravery and his service to our country. It was all very well deserved. He was an amazing person, always a professional, always wanting to do the right thing. He was never political.”
Salango’s wife, Kanawha County Circuit Judge Tera Salango, worked with Miller over the years. Salango said Tera always spoke very highly of Miller.
“I hated to hear that he passed,” Salango said. “I know that he had been sick for a while. When he resigned from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office back in 2024, when he retired, I knew that it would be tough to fill that spot, because he was such an incredible man, such an incredible prosecutor.”
Miller was appointed to take over the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office in 2014. He replaced Mark Plants, who was removed from office.
“Chuck guided the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office through a difficult time, he guided the U.S. Attorney’s Office several times, under two different presidents,” Salango said. “He was well-respected by both political parties. The folks that worked with him, over at the prosecutor’s office, just absolutely adored him because he was a true leader.”
Current U.S. Attorney for Southern West Virginia Moore Capito released a statement on Miller’s death.
“Chuck Miller dedicated his life to public service and left a lasting mark on both this office and the people of Kanawha County,” Capito said. “We are grateful for his service and the example he set for those who followed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Miller set the tone, Salango said, and you could always count on him to do the right thing. He said Miller was never disrespectful or hostile. He said Miller could prosecute a case and, even if he were on the opposite side, you could chat with him afterward.
“Just such a wonderful man that would always take the time to give you a call,” Salango said. “Whether it was a birthday, or an event, or whatever; he was the kind of guy that you want leading. Whether it’s at the U.S. Attorney’s Office or at the county prosecutor’s office, he was always a steady hand.”
The Kanawha County Commission ordered county flags to be lowered to half-staff, along with a black drape placed at the judicial building in Charleston, in remembrance of Miller.
Miller is survived by his wife, Becky, his children and grandchildren. He will be buried with full honors at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans’ Cemetery in Dunbar.