Thank you all for being here to celebrate and remember the life of my father, Albert.  Dad was many things to many people. For our family, he was our dad, Papa or Grandpapa; an iconic symbol of a very southern family.  To others, he was Ab or Albert, a kind, elder statesman of his church and community that imparted wit and wisdom grown from 91 years of life.  For me, when someone calls out to Mr. Miller, it will always bring to mind my dad and cause me to look for him, not considering myself.

Dads 91 years have been much more than months and days on a calendar or hours on a clock.  They represent a lifetime of experiences that shaped the clay of his being.  Sometimes -too often perhaps- he and I found it challenging to relate to each others generation.  That is probably true for most all of us.  Dad was almost 44 when I was born, so he had a head start on me with the wisdom and learning we all hopefully gain in life.

It has been said, "May you live in interesting times".  My dad definitely lived in interesting times.  Born in 1919 immediately after a world war, he grew up in the Roaring 20's followed by the wrath of the Great Depression as a young teenager, and being swept into World War II.  All those events, plus Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, Vietnam, Civil Rights, the Apollo moon landing, and politics all provided a life of interesting times (and sometimes lively dinner-time debates) for my dad.

Somehow, managing to live through all of this, my dad had the ultimate foresight and wisdom to fall in love and marry Louise Dull, a young woman he had met at a church social event.  Their lives together created not only the six children, 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren (with another on the way); it created a home of family, traditions and memories for all of us. My dad did at times have a temper, which my mother -through years of patience and lots of love- managed to soften somewhat.  I think, as dad aged and reflected his lifetime, his love of family and friends became even more of a priority for him. With mom's passing in 2005, daddy -while heart-broken- kept that love of family and home that 65 years of marriage had shaped. He saw that family is truly the thing that last.  His family; the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were ultimately his greatest achievement and legacy.

To say I will miss him and am deeply saddened by his passing is an understatement.  Even with the sadness I celebrate his life and the spirit that he left with us all.  I will cherish and hold the memories of him and move forward always keeping a part of him with me.  I know that he is with our mom and broken-hearted no more.


-Robin Miller

Sandra, our sympathies to you and your family at the loss of your dad.  Cherish the memories of times shared knowing that he is reunited with your mom and you'll see them both one day. God bless.

Dear Bonnie, so sorry about the death of your father. We know that losing our parents is part of the cycle of life, but it is never easy. My thoughts are with you.

Bonnie- My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.  But as a Christian, you have the comfort of knowing where he is today and that you can see him again someday.  God bless.
Bob Pennington (PCDA) Winfield, WV

Ron and I were so blessed to have spent a few moments with Ab and Bonnie at the Henning's Estate Auction back in October.  He is a precious soul and  will always remain dear in my heart.  Remembering you all in our thoughts and prayers now and in the coming days.  
Cindy Hutchinson Simpson

So sorry for the loss of your Father.  Please know I will keep you in my prayers.

" Gran-Papa is in Gods arms but will always remain in our hearts "

Uncle "Ab" was always a person who I looked to as a symbol of continuity, stability, and family history.  Although he will be missed, his influence on the community and family will remain. He will be remembered with great affection.

Expressing symathy is always difficult, but all we can say is how sorry we are for the passing of Uncle Ab. May God hold you in the palm of His hand and comfort you with His everlasting love.

OBITUARY

Albert Ray Miller Sr.

26 March, 1919 – 2 January, 2011

Frank Vogler & Sons

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