Robert William Miller passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023, at age 85 in his home in Tavares, Florida. He was known to most as Bob, and known to all as a husband, father, grandfather, veteran and Christian who is greatly missed.
Bob was born on April 17, 1938, in Waukegan, Illinois, to parents Raymond and Katherine Miller. He grew up in Richmond, Illinois.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956, where he specialized as an electrician and then switched to aviation as a crewman. His service took him to various places around the world. He served his country for 20 years before retiring in 1976. He and two friends then started a company, Logistics Services International, that specialized in avionics repair and training of previously retired Navy aircraft for America’s allies taking him to places like Taiwan, South Korea, and South America. He retired again in 1998 and then worked for the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine till 2006.
Bob and LaVerne, his wife of 58 years, started dating after they were best man and maid of honor at the same wedding. After writing letters to each other, they both moved to Coronado, California, where Bob was transferred. They dated, became engaged and got married — the beginning of a lifetime of companionship.
The pair had four children: James, David, Mary and Tom. In between his naval and work travels, Bob was an involved father with T-ball, baseball and football. His 12 grandchildren — who knew him as Grandpa or Papa — enjoyed short rides on his beloved motorcycle and appreciated his support at their sporting events.
Bob didn’t necessarily share his love through words; rather, he showed it through his actions. Helping others was instinctive to him, as seen through his volunteer role in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Citizens on Patrol team. He was known for his social nature. He never met a stranger, and he never fell short of stories to tell. His booming laugh was infectious. As his health declined in his later years, his jovial nature was dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife, LaVerne Miller; sons, James (Pam) Miller and David (Anne-Marie) Miller; daughter, Mary (Scott) Rubens; daughter-in-law, Karen Miller; and his 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Joellen (Dick) Penner, Diane (Jim) Kattner and Marilyn (Don) May. He was preceded in death by his son, Tom Miller, and his brother, Terry Miller.
A viewing will be held on June 30, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Steverson Hamlin and Hilbish Chapel in Tavares, Florida. A funeral Mass will be held on July 1, 2023, at 9 a.m. at St Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis, Florida, with military honors. A graveside interment will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Eustis, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Mary of the Lakes or to Cornerstone Hospice in his memory.