Raymond Mireles Sr.

On the morning of 7 December 2022 Raymond Mireles Sr. a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed through the gates of heaven to join God and his one true love, Delia Mireles. Raymond was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, the product of a hard working family from a modest farming home. He lived a life of love, compassion, strength, and was known throughout the community for his kindness, generosity, and selfless love for those in need. Raymond was a retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, Gunner’s Mate, two-tour Vietnam War Combat Veteran. He received the following awards: Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Sea Service Ribbon with one Silver Star, Republic of Vietnam Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon 2nd Award, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Battle Efficiency Award. His Sea Time included serving on the USS Spartanburg County, USS Meredith, USS Mount Whitney, USS Haynsworth, and the USS Forrestal. Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Raymond proudly served as a Virginia Beach Police Officer. During his time with the VBPD he worked with the 3rd Precinct, was a Master Police Officer, Training Officer, and was a mentor, leader, and friend to many in the police force and the Virginia Beach civilian community. His love and admiration for his children, grandkids, and great grandkids was unwavering. His true love included his wife, family, friends and the Dallas Cowboys. Throughout his life he was a devout Catholic, a member of the Holy Apostles Church, a Navy Chief Petty Officer, a Veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of the Virginia Beach Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), a Boy Scout Leader, a mentor, a leader, a role model, an inspiration, a man of determination, strength, equality, a humanitarian, man of morals, faith, and love. He was everything you would want in a husband, father, friend, or protector. Raymond is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delia Mireles; his father, George J. Mireles; his mother, Antonia Gonzales; his brother, Aurelio Mireles and his granddaughter, Sadie Taylor Mireles all of whom have welcomed him into the gates of Heaven. He is survived by his siblings, Yolanda Vasquez, Jose Mireles, Alex Mireles, Rosemary Martinez, George Mireles and Juan Mireles. Raymond is also survived by his children, Delia Hartman, Deborah Mireles, Raymond Mireles Jr., Reynaldo Mireles, and Raul Mireles. His son-in-law, Eric Hartman; his daughter-in-laws, Jaime Mireles, Chaunta Mireles, and Christina Mireles respectively. He is also survived by his 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Until we meet again, you will always be cherished, loved and always in our hearts. Services will be privately held at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home & Rosewood Memorial Park located at 601 North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach, VA. Please visit his webpage at www.kellumfuneralhome.com to leave a note for the family.