In 1957 my dad and ultimately his brother Jerry, twin brothers of Leo and Mary Miller, decided to leave high school and join the Navy.  My Dad with his new bride Carole began a 54 year journey together that included service to his country, success in business and a wonderful retirement.  During my dads seven years in the Navy serving on Nuclear Submarines, he was selected into an Air Force program that provided him the opportunity to attend The Ohio State University.  After completion of his degree he was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force and remained in the service for a total of 28 years retiring at the rank of Major.  He received many honors during his time in the military, and he also earned master’s degree from Ohio State.  He decided to turn down a promotion to the rank of Lt. Col.  The remaining 13 of his professional career included his involvement with a successful business that engaged in significant contracts on behalf of foreign governments purchasing military supplies.  He then retired and enjoyed the last 14 years of his life traveling the World with his wife and my mom Carole.  He also was able to enjoy time with his grandchildren.  

That is the brief history of his life.  

My Dad was for me the foundation of who I am as a person.  He was a person of great character, who always worked hard and never gave up.

Our last real day together was spent together playing cards and sharing lunch together.  His last words to me were....I love you and I was able to extend the same word to him.  

If ever you could have a perfect ending it could not have been written any better than the last day I spent with my Dad.

He had traveled to Houston to continue his fight with Lukemia.  I can say with all certainty that he never gave up.  He was the dad I always knew up until his last breath.

Love Jim


Larry Miller January 19 2011

Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Family, and Friend,

For those who don't know me, my name is Robyn Frohling, oldest granddaughter of Larry miller. I have the privilege and courage to stand here today to speak of about such a wonderful man because he is the one who taught me strength.

We are here today to celebrate the life of a man I was lucky enough to call my grandfather. He was a strong willed, hardworking, and caring man. As we stand here today with him looking over all of us we must be thankful for the way he has touched each and every one of us. I am grateful to have been able to spend the last 23 years of my life learning from one of the best. Today, this room is filled with family and friends who all loved Larry Miller.

Larry Miller has left behind his beloved wife Carole, his daughter Kim and her husband, his two sons, Jim, Tim, and his wife Vicki, his 5 wonderful grandchildren nick and myself who have been able to spend every holiday and travel experiences with, Alex who got to enjoy grandpa watching him at his soccer games, Matt who still has every key chain and memorabilia from every trip poppop and grandma have gone on and brought something back, and the youngest Cassie who always got so excited every time poppop walked through the door. And we can’t forget his grand dogs and neighborhood dogs who always were excited to see him and sit for treats. We all have our wonderful memories we have been able to share with him.

He has lived the life that most of us dream about. Being in the military for 28 years gave him a one of a kind experience. Then as he grew older he always traveled spending summers up north and winters down in sunny south Florida. Each and every one of us got to experience a vacation or two and learn about all he has done in his life. If it was skiing in Canada, Cruising in Alaska, traveling all up and down the United States in the coach bus, or just taking a drive up to an amusement park for the day. He lived a fulfilled life that he never regretted.

One of the last things I was able to share with my grandfather was just a simple lunch where we got to laugh and talk about my next ambitious goal I had. As we ate our sugar filled pastries that grandma would have frowned upon and talked about how proud he was of the woman I have become I remember all times I used to slip candy into pop pops hand while grandma wasn't looking. Although we spent most of the day at the doctors I still enjoyed the time we got to spend talking about everything. Stopping at Sam’s helping me pick out the roasts Amaia and I were going to cook for Christmas dinner. I will cherish the past 23 years I have been able to spend with him and look above while he looks down at every step I take and goal I achieve. You say you were the lucky one to have had such a wonderful family but we are truly the lucky ones to have been able to learn from such an amazing man. You were the rock and center stone of our whole family which none of us will ever forget. I am truly thankful to be able to call you my grandfather. I will love you and miss you dearly but know you will be watching from above. Until we meet again watch over all of us.

 

I love you.

Larry and I served together as "lowly Captains" on the Tactical Air Command staff in the 1970s and remained friends ever since.  I'll never forget how he somehow convinced Carol to make the move from Langley to Bitburg, GE by herself, while he stayed behind to attend training on the F-15.  In the process, he borrowed my old beat-up Renault (I had gone to Kunsan Korea for a year and my family stayed behind).  One night he slid it off the road in a rainstorm and hit a split-rail fence doing very minor damage to an already worthless car, but he felt so bad that he showed up at my home and gave Connie my wife a signed check for her to fill in and cash to make repairs, as he was leaving the next day for Bitburg.  Just to be ornery, I kept the check for the year I was in Korea, then cashed it for one cent.  
Dave Dietsch, 
Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Anyone who knew Larry will have a favorite story (or 2). Mike and I have several beginning with the fact the Larry was responsible for our meeting on that Labor Day weekend in 1961. Larry took pity on a single school teacher living almost in their back yard and invited me to share in the ongoing celebration--but that's another story! Mike and I will celebrate our 50th anniversary in December.  
My favorite tale begins in Scotland when Mike was stationed on the sub tender USS Hunley. We (Mike, I and 2 babies under the age of 2) lived in the milk maid's cottage on a rather large estate. Larry's boat was in for a Hunley checkup and came out with Mike for dinner. I occasionally got a bit homesick for my Southside Virginia roots so I had made a Brunswick stew (a la Brunswick Virginia not Georgia.) When the 2 gentlemen heard what was on the menu, I tried to explain and was greeted with "chicken stew? Never heard of such a thing."  I guess they liked it since there was none left.  I felt that I had done my part to provide an educational meal experience!
  One last thought which  we have found comforting:
"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is turning out the lamp because the dawn has come." 
Enjoy old friend and rest easy.

Anne & Mike Lowe

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  We were part of the "camping family" and that is how we met Larry and Carol.  We always enjoyed sitting on the patio visiting with them.  Larry was one of the most interesting persons we have ever met.  Really enjoyed listening to his adventures.  What really stood out is his love of his family, children and grandchildren.  His face lit up when he spoke of you all.  We will really miss seeing him, but will always have all the great memories of him.  May God give you all comfort and know he is in a better place.
God Bless, Scott and Marsha Dunlap

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Larry's family.  
I wish I could be there for the services at Arlington but as a fellow veteran I will indeed be there in spirit.
As cousins, Larry and I had not seen each other but very briefly over the years as we have always been separated by many miles.  I do however, have many fond memories which date back to our youth.  We spent very many enjoyable times at Luna Pier when we were growing up and I will always remember those wonderful days.
May God Bless Larry's familily and keep his memories alive.

To a wonderful family - on the loss of a dear Husband, Father, Grandfather, and friend.  May the fondest memories of Larry reside in your hearts. Blessings

The world has lost an incredible person.  I am so sad to learn that Larry is gone, he was and always will be one of the most awesome men I have ever known.  He was also one of the greatest bosses I ever had.  Carole, Kim, Jim and Tim I am so sorry for your loss - he will be greatly missed.  He's probably challenging God to a leg wrestling contest! RIP Larry.

Larry was a great friend and we will miss him.  He put up a valiant fight against a terrible disease.   We will miss the cruising, the card and dice games, The Ohio State University spirit, the dining out, and all the good times we had and laughs we shared; but we still have  the memories and will never forget our times together.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Carole, Kim, Jim and Tim.

Nita and I were deeply saddened to receive the notice of Larry's passing.
 
Larry was a real inspiration for lots of folks when he and the family arrived at Bitburg AB, Germany over thirty years ago.  I was priviledged to work with Larry in the 36th Organizational Maintenance Squadron - he got things done.  When the Wing sent an F-15 squadron to Pakistan - Larry was the obvious choice to lead all the maintenance forces. We were so pleased that after the Air Force he was able to do so many great things as well as travel with Carole.  I still remember when they visited us at Edwards AFB, CA - hauling the 5th-wheel RV behind a well used  Dodge pickup.
 
Our condolences go out to Carole, Kim, Jim, Tim, the grand children and friends.

Larry will be missed by many.

I worked with Larry, first long distance when he was the manager of SCT's San Antonio office and then I worked with him on a proposal when he moved for a short while to the Bay Area.
Larry was such a nice person to work with.  He knew his business - but he was always very personable when dealing with employees.  
I remember one time when we were having a gathering and he brought a woman with him.  He walked in with her and introduced her as "his first wife, Carol".  It made everyone stop and think twice while they tried to figure out if he had divorced her, remarried, but then brought her to events or what.  It was very funny.
Another time he tricked people with the hot salsa sauce at a Mexican restaurant.  He had the whole table rolling over laughing!  
I'm sure many others from our days at SCT also have fun memories of time with him!

We were so sorry to hear of Larry's passing after the valiant effort he put up with his battle against his illness. The years we knew him at Vacation Inn Resort were wonderful and it was such a delight to know someone who was so filled with integrity and helpfulness. The rivalry between Ohio State and the University of Michigan was an ongoing "feud" between us that we always enjoyed, so much.  He was always willing to help with any problem or task that was asked of him and he will be truly missed in this RV community.

Lawrence Miller only met me once giving a gift of his time and talant  taking pictures of a wedding he didn't know the bride or groom. But I knew he was great husband and father through his wife and daughter. All three touching my life with great love. I was blessed!

I have sooo many memories of Larry and my days at SAIC.  He was such a compasionate, caring man who always had the ability to make me laugh.  This picture posted here just makes me smile as this is how I always saw him.  He definately touched my life in many ways!!  I'm blessed to have known this wonderful man!!! -Kristen Myers

Larry was a man who truly enjoyed life.Enjoyed visiting with him and had some good times.  He will be missed but God will surely enjoy him also. Prayers for his family will be said.  Micki & Jerry Kirchner

My prayers go to all the Miller family.  Your dad was a wonderful man.  Full of life and spark!  
I knew him when he worked for SCT and always admired not only his professionalism but his sense of humor.  The photo you have chosen here is exactly what I remember - laughing and smiling - well, most of the time anyway!  
I know he loved his wife, children and grandchildren so very much!   He will be missed - but his light will shine forever, as Kim said.  He led by example - and it was a great example!

As Larry's eldest first cousin, I was sorry to not have really known him.  His e-mails this past year were like a light in a dark room.  Quite beautiful.
             Tom Laskey (Los Angeles)

Hi everyone, I'm responding thru Ellen as we could not open the attachment.  My memories of Larry, and all the Miller family are nothing but lots of fun.  Growing up in that family provided for many memories of great family togetherness for holidays and birthday, etc.  He certainlyl will missed, but receiving his great reward.  Much love, Joe and Jackie

We were so sorry to hear of Larry's passing.  We feel blessed to have known him.  He was a positive influence on many, many people.  It is not hard to understand why Larry will be deeply missed--he was everyone's dad...that's how comfortable he made you feel when you were with him!  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

In your sorrow you can take comfort that Larry's life was very well lived.

Eileen

"They that love beyond the world cannot kill what never dies".
-William Penn

Larry, where do I begin other than to say that I miss you so much and will continue to miss our talks that we had over the years.  I want to be the fly on the wall this St. Patrick's Day with you, Jerry and Mom and Dad.   Remember "Póg mo thóin".  Love Mar--your favorite sister

Many memories fill my head but one particular memory seems to sum up many things for me.

As I was growing up my father had a rule about not using a particular phrase, any sentence that started with “I CAN’T” was not allowed.  It did not matter what followed, my dad would stop you in mid sentence if you started with I CAN’T.

As a child I was not this even tempered and mild manner person that I have become? (:-))  So this was usually very frustrating and often led to anger.  Of course my Dad was trying to teach me to strive to reach new heights, learn to overcome difficulties that would come up in my life.

Many years later, I was on the phone with my Dad, and my son 6 year old son, Alex, was on the floor getting frustrated because he could not figure out his toy.  I found myself using similar concepts as my father had, and my son dropped his toy down and left the room.

I got back on the phone, to tell my father that I needed to deal with my son and that I would call him back.  As I was finishing the call I said “Dad, can you image anything that would make a little boy so angry?”

My dad in a dead pan voice said “Yeah, I can image such a thing.”  And then he dropped the phone, he was laughing so hard!

I will miss that laugh, and those calls.

My prayer today, as the circle turns, is that God will grant me the strength, wisdom, and understanding to be the teacher my father always was.  

Goodbye Dad!

Your loving son
Tim

Mr. Larry Miller,

I am so thankful to have met and become accepted by such a wonderful man. You had the respect of everybody, and the knowledge and courage to do anything. All the wonderful times at dinner, playing games, and all those memories will never be forgotten. Thank you for it all, and you will be deeply missed.

Carol,   We were so sorry to hear of Larry's death, especially so close to Jerry's.  Our prayers are with all of you and for Larry.  Sincerely,  Ellen (Moran) and Dave Ryan

Your light will shine in all your family and friends forever.

Dad,
You have been the best Father any child could ever want.  I am going to miss all the Sunday card games where Mom and Tim thought they were winning and infact it was you and I who were winning it all.  We had great times alot of laughs through the years.  You are one of the reasons I am who I am. You will always be in my heart and thoughts and they will always be wonderful memories.  I will love you forever..  Love your Favorite Daughter

Dad,
You have been the best Father any child could have.  I will miss our Sunday card games where we would beat up on MoM and Tim even when they thought they were winning.  I will miss all the fun times that we have had for the last 52 years of my life.  You will be forever in my heart and thoughts and they all will be great memories.  I will love you forever...your favorite daughter.. :)

OBITUARIO

Lawrence Larry Miller

29 mayo, 1939 – 19 enero, 2011

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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