A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend; he is survived by his wife Katherine Miller; three daughters and their spouses, Windell and Jacqueline Hall of Magnolia, TX, Trina Miller of Houston, TX, Kris and Kristie Fisher of Houston, TX; brother Richard and Suzanne Miller of Schenectady, NY; grandchildren Ashley McKowen, Windy Aune, Brittany Hall, Roy Boddie, Harry Boddie, Michael Gray, our newest addition Kamryn Fisher; and a considerable number of great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Miller of Crosby, TX; parents Helen Miller Cavanaugh and Robert D.J. Miller, both of Schenectady, NY; son Harry J. Boddie Jr. of Shepherd, TX; and sister Trina Adams of Ballston Spa, NY.
Robert was born February 14, 1949 in Ballston Spa, NY, but spent most of his early life in Schenectady, NY where he met and married Jacqueline Paquette. Together they moved to the great state of Texas in 1977 with three children in tow. In the early Texas years he sand blasted and painted railroad cars at Richmond Tank Car, moved on as a machinist in refineries like Exxon Mobile, was a small engine mechanic at Brambles Equipment Rental and Sales, and retired from DB Schenker. Pops was a passionate worker who also did side jobs like house painting and yardwork for others, making lifelong friends in doing so. If you were fortunate enough to work with him you may have witnessed some of that passion in excitable “conversations” or an airborne tool or two. He loved food and cooking, collecting as many cookbooks as he did tools, and fond memories were made in the kitchen. After the death of Jacqueline, he fell in love with Katherine McDonald, and the two became one. They built a beautiful life together with many travels and, in recent years, some trials. Robert was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of prostate cancer and fought it with a warrior’s strength. He kept a positive “can-do” attitude and always had a ready smile, an infectious laugh, and the best bear hugs ever. He tried his hardest to protect all of those he loved, and never complained about his health, instead inspiring others to not to give up. Katherine was by his side and his support through it all.
Robert leaves behind a legacy filled with strength, compassion, every kitchen gadget imaginable, and love. Cancer may have overtaken his body, but it could not suppress his spirit. He taught us all by example to work hard, to keep going, and to keep growing. Irreplaceable with shoes too big to fill, he was loved by all, and absolutely cherished by his family; who would like to thank the staff at MD Anderson for their care and support throughout his journey. We love you Pops.
Visitation will be Monday, November 25, 2019 at Brookside Funeral Home Champions 3410 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston TX 77068 from 4:30 PM-to 8PM. Services will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 11AM with a luncheon at 12 at Our Savior Lutheran Church 5000 W. Tidwell Rd Houston, TX 77091. Gravesite services to follow at 2 PM Earthman Resthaven 13102 North Fwy, Houston TX 77060
Memorial donations may be made to Our Savior Forward Faithfully Fund or to MD Anderson Cancer Center in his name.
“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” -Thomas Campbell
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