Gary L. Miller, age 68, of Dover, died Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover.
Born in Tuscarawas County on September 1, 1956, Gary was a son of the late Alberta Jane Miller and Elmer Paul Simpson.
Gary grew up in New Philadelphia and attended New Philadelphia High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps at an early age and spent the better part of a decade proudly serving his country. While in the service, Gary fell in love with the Beaufort, South Carolina area, and once he was discharged remained there for many years where he worked at a drive-thru feed store. Gary returned to Ohio to care for his mother. He began working for Range Resources in the gas and oil industry and remained with them for 15 years until the company was downsized after being bought out. From there, Gary took on many part-time jobs as a bartender at the Army/Navy Club, Danny’s Bar and Grille, and the New Philadelphia VFW Post 1445. He also worked for a period of time as a delivery driver for Baker Florist.
Gary enjoyed life, riding his Harley, and spending time with his friends, especially his best friend, “Bean Head”. Together the pair spent countless hours catching shrimp and swapping stories. A lifelong NASCAR enthusiast, Gary was an avid fan and collector of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Jr memorabilia where he attended countless races through the years. He was known for his baking abilities, his famous baby back ribs, and his secret BBQ sauce recipe, and will be missed by his beloved fur baby, a Chinese Crested Powder Puff named Duffy.
He is survived by his companion of 14 years, Cindy Dague of Dover; a son, Kenneth Miller of Canton; a grandson, Seth, and three great-grandsons, Ryder, Braxton, and Kaysen.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his uncles, Edgar, Robert, and Delbert Miller, and Elmer and Otmar Simpson, and an aunt, Dorothy Pace.
In keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation is to take place with burial to occur at a later date in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at Rittman. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held in the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW in the coming weeks. An announcement will be added to the funeral home’s website when plans are finalized. The Geib Funeral Center at Dover is handling arrangements.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622