Miles George Pierson

As it is written in the King James Version of the Bible, 2 Corinthians 5:8: “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

The family of Miles George Pierson, age 77, announces his passing into the hands of the Lord on August 24, 2024. We celebrate his life with gratitude and thanksgiving. At the time of his passing, Miles was at his home in West Jordan, Utah, surrounded by his loving wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Tiara; his son-in-law, Sonny; and his grandson, Colten.

Miles George Pierson was born on July 26, 1947, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the eldest of three sons born to George Allen and Juanita Pearl Pierson. Due to his father’s work in the oil fields, the family moved frequently, living in over 60 different locations across several states. In the mid-1950s, they eventually settled in Farmington, New Mexico, where Miles graduated from Farmington High School in 1966. During their years in Farmington, the Pierson family were members of the Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God.

After high school, Miles felt a calling from the Lord to enter the evangelical ministry and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. This led him to attend the Southwest Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. However, after a brief time in school, Miles felt a higher calling—one that led him to seek the mysteries of the deep, inspired by the words of Isaiah 45:3: “And I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.”

On March 9, 1967, Miles enlisted in the United States Navy and completed basic training at the Great Lakes Recruit Training Center in Illinois. After graduation, he volunteered to join the Navy’s elite Frogman unit, a precursor to the Navy SEALs. His training took place at Joint Base Little Creek, near Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, home of SEAL Team 2, which had been established in January 1962.

Navy Frogmen, also known as combat divers or combat swimmers, are highly trained in underwater tactical operations using scuba diving and advanced swimming techniques. Miles also served with the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), which specialized in clearing obstacles for amphibious assaults. These Frogmen were an essential part of U.S. military tactical assault missions, especially in covert operations.

After earning his certification, Miles entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training to become a Navy SEAL, one of the world’s most elite special forces. However, during “Hell Week”—the most grueling part of SEAL training—Miles suffered a hairline fracture in his knee, which forced him into medical treatment and prevented him from completing the course. Undeterred by the setback, Miles was told he would need to restart training from the beginning if he still wanted to become a SEAL. With his trademark resilience, Miles repeated the entire program and successfully completed “Hell Week” on his second attempt, solidifying his reputation for determination and perseverance.

Miles was awarded the prestigious Special Warfare insignia, commonly known as the “SEAL Trident” or, in Navy circles, the “Budweiser.” After joining SEAL Team 2, he spent two more years in training before being deployed to Vietnam, where he was wounded in combat and exposed to the harmful herbicide Agent Orange, leading to lifelong health issues. Miles was honorably discharged from the Navy on December 1, 1970, having achieved the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer and holding the rate of Gunner’s Mate.

During his service, Miles earned numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Bronze Star. He was also awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon for his role in the Manned Spacecraft Recovery Pacific (Task Force 130), supporting NASA’s Apollo missions from July 1, 1967, to July 26, 1969. One of his most notable missions was serving as a Frogman rescue diver for the Apollo 9 recovery on March 13, 1969. He helped astronauts James A. McDivitt, David R. Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart transfer from the capsule “Gumdrop” into the rescue raft, before they were lifted to safety by helicopter and taken to the USS Guadalcanal. Miles often remarked that “Gumdrop” was his favorite candy after this mission.

Following his military service, Miles remained active as a certified diver, continuing to serve his community as part of the Four Corners Search and Rescue team, where he used his diving skills to assist in rescue missions in local lakes and rivers.

In September 1971, during Labor Day weekend, Miles met the love of his life, Phyllis. He traveled 61 miles one way to court her, and after a brief four-month engagement, they were married on January 8, 1972, beginning a 52-year marriage blessed with a daughter, Tiara Marie Pierson.

In the years that followed, Miles worked in the oil and gas industry, holding positions such as Rocky Mountain District Manager for Bakerline International and later serving as an independent drilling consultant for PDC Energy. In May 1999, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah.

As part of his Christian ministry, Miles and Phyllis spent several years doing mission work in Samachique, Mexico, in collaboration with Ravens Ministries. Their efforts helped bring fresh water to the indigenous Tarahumara people, drilling wells in challenging conditions to support a local school, medical facility, and orphanage.

Miles was also deeply committed to local outreach, actively involved with Hope Alive Ministries, where he witnessed and ministered to the homeless in the greater Salt Lake City area. This mission work became one of his greatest passions.

Miles is preceded in death by his father, George Allen Pierson, his mother, Juanita Pearl Pierson, and his younger brother, Ronald Allen Pierson. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Pierson; his daughter, Tiara Robison; his son-in-law, Sonny K. Robison; his granddaughter, Aubree Wood, and her husband, Andrew; his grandson, Colten K. Robison; his great-grandchildren, Enzee M. Wood and Anden J. Wood; his brother, Raymond Pierson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Famous Quotes Miles Might Use to Start a Conversation:

• “You know what a guy could do…”
• “Well, I’ll tell you one thing…”
• “I ain’t never seen anything like that in my whole entire life!”
• “I need a bigger hammer!”
• “I win, no matter what.”

These memorable phrases capture Miles’ personality—his wit, determination, and practical approach to life.

As we remember his enduring faith, we also reflect on the words of II Timothy 4:6-7:
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

A Celebration of Miles’s Life will be held on Friday, October 18^th, 2024 from 6-8 pm and a Memorial Service Oct 19^th at 11:00 am at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Miles’s name to Ravens Ministry or Hope Alive Ministry. Donations can be received at Starks Funeral Parlor during the Social Celebration and Memorial Service.