Thomas Ivy Miller, husband of Peggy R. Miller, died May 27, 2018, in his 91st year. He was born February 21, 1928, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the youngest of five children. He attended Norfolk public schools, graduating from Maury High School, Veterans class in 1948. He was a graduate of the Norfolk Division of William & Mary – VPI (Old Dominion University) class of 1952 and held a diploma in architecture. He was a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute. His various other studies included Airport Planning and Design – Georgia Tech; Geopolitics – American Armed Forces Staff College; Planning Organization and Management – George Washington University, and others.
He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific theater during World War II with the 511th Parachute/Glider Infantry – 11th Airborne Division, 152nd Airborne Anti-aircraft Battalion. He served with the 9206 Military Police Detachment, 6th Army, Camp Stoneman, California.
During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on active duty with the 11th Amphibious Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, and with the 5th Marine Division as a cartographer at Quantico, Virginia.
His civilian service included Assistant Planning Director for Princess Anne County (Virginia Beach) from 1952 – 1957. He served as Director of City Planning for Hampton from 1957 – 1975. He served as Assistant City Manager for Community Development from 1975 – 1981. He was appointed City Manager of Hampton from 1981 – 1985, when he retired with 28 years of service to the City of Hampton and a combined total of 42 years of public and military service.
He served on the Peninsula Airport Commission for sixteen years and as Secretary to the Commission. He served on the Peninsula Planning District Commission and as chairman to the Commission. He was recalled to public service in 1991 and served on the Peninsula Regional Redevelopment and Housing Authority and as chairman of the Authority until its deactivation in 1993.
He further served on a number of advisory committees as a representative and technical advisor for various city, state, and federal projects. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICD) and the International City Managers Association (ICMA). He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was an avid golfer, retired sailor, and reader of National, Military and State History. He enjoyed mechanics, carpentry, masonry, house building and design, and creative and inventive ideas. His motto was “Man is dignified by his industry and simplicity in life.” “Homo est dingus ambi suus industria que simplicitas in vita.”
He leaves his wife of 69 years, Peggy R. Miller; son, Dail B. Miller and his wife Denise Rousseau of Santa Fe, New Mexico; daughter, Winifred Lee Miller Francis and her husband Dr. Scott H. Francis of Hampton; granddaughters, Natasha Irena Miller of Wilmington, Delaware, and Courtney Dail Francis of Hampton; sister, Harriet P. (Miller) Moore of Waynesboro, Virginia; seven nieces and nephews; fifteen great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-niece.
His remains will be cremated and inurned in the Mausoleum at Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton. A memorial service will be held in the Mausoleum chapel on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.
In lieu of flowers, expression of condolence may be made to one’s favorite charity or benefit; to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia; or to the United Service Organizations (USO).
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and offer words of condolence with the family.
