Born December 11, 1925, he was a son of the late Dr. Charles J. and Artha V. Best Miller.
Best known as “Bob” to his family and friends, he was a 1943 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, and went on to graduate from The Ohio State University in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Ohio State, Bob pledged and became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Following graduation he returned to New Philadelphia to marry the former Phyllis J. Shuler on June 19, 1948.
He joined the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Steel Mill right out of college, and the family relocated to Indiana where Bob worked for twenty-three years, ultimately as superintendent of the blast furnace and ore yard operations when, in 1971, the family returned to New Philadelphia when Bob became the manager of the former Custom Coaters in Dover. He went on to found Industrial Finishers in 1978, retiring in 1987.
Bob will be remembered by his family for his intellect and talent, for his creative problem solving abilities. Whether in woodworking, to basket weaving, building boats and furniture, assembling kit cars and making stained glass art, Bob’s work reflected the quality craftsmanship and pride for his work. His giving spirit was exemplified by his hand-crafted gifts he presented to family and friends at Christma stime and other special occasions throughout the year. His memberships include the First Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia.
In addition to his wife of sixty-four years, Phyllis, of New Philadelphia, his survivors include daughters Gail (husband, Steve) Garrison of Chillicothe, IL, and Carol (husband, Dennis) Smith of Columbus, O, and a son-in-law, Carl Reed of Plainfield, IN.
He’ll be sadly missed by seven grandchildren; Jennifer (husband, Brian) Henson of Carmel, IN, Scott Reed of Plainfiled, IN, Brian (wife, Christi) Garrison and Jill (husband, Mike) McKinney, all of Indianapolis, Laura Garrison of Chicago, IL, Elaine (husband, David) Vukadinovich of Santa Monica, CA, and Jennifer (husband, Ken) Snyder of Ashburn, VA, eight great-grandchildren; Kendall Jean Henson, Grant Henson, Harper Garrison and Gabriella McKinney, Ethan and William Snyder and Sophia and Hayden Vukadinovich. A brother, Dr. C.J. Miller, Jr and his wife Marge of Bonita Springs, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his daughter Jean Reed, and two sisters; Geraldine Prescott and Mary Jo Uptegraph Gullen.
The Rev. Jacquelyn Pinkowski will lead a memorial service for Mr. Miller Wednesday afternoon at 2PM in the chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where friends are invited to call upon the family for one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow in New Philadelphia’s Evergreen Burial Park. Family and friends will gather for a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home upon the conclusion of services.
Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website.
Bob was fond of Tuscora Park, and especially the carousel and other rides for the enjoyment by the young people of our community. In that spirit, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to improve and enhance the not-for-profit operation of those rides. Contributions may be made in care of RTY, Inc. 161 Tuscora Ave. NW New Philadelphia, OH 44663.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
New Philadelphia
330-343-5506
www.geibcares.com
