Eldridge R Miller Sr.

Eldridge Roy Miller, Sr. escaped this world entering his eternal rest and reward after fighting a lengthy battle against cancer on March 14, 2026, at St. Joseph South hospital in Riverview, FL, surrounded by family and friends as they sang worship songs together. Eldridge leaves behind his beloved wife of 71 years, Mrs. Barbara Jane Capps Miller. He was born on August 5, 1936 (89) in Ortona Locks near Labelle, FL to parents Weaver Earl Miller and Margaret Pearl Miller. He was pre-deseased by two brothers, Arthur Jackson Miller and Harry Earl Miller. Eldridge and Barbara grieved the loss of two pre-deseased infant children, Margaret Jane Miller (d1958) and Darrell Roy Miller (d1967). Eldridge and Barbara also lost informally adopted daughter Linda Shook (d2018) who they had accepted into their home for two years in 1973. Eldridge leaves behind four living adult children, Mrs. June Stephens (Dale), Mrs. Diane Shook (Clay), Mrs. Janice Shook (Michael) and Mr. Eldridge Roy Miller, Jr. (Bela). He was deeply loved by his grandchildren as well; David Rodgers, Thomas Bourcy, Clayton Taylor, Asha-Ayana Hand, Andy Shook, Laura Lee Shook Watts, Miah James, Devon James, Joseph Shook along with five great grandchildren, Kassandra Thompson, Bradley Rodgers, Asher Shook, Avery Shook, Zander Shook and Chase Watts.

Eldridge was a wonderful provider and protector of his family, a faithful husband, good father and loyal friend. He worked for CSX Railroad in Tampa for decades until a train yard accident left him seriously injured in 1989, nearly taking his life and fracturing his spine and neck. He also suffered a cracked spine falling from a tree stand and as a younger man he lost two fingers in a drag line accident near Davey, Fl. Eldridge was an avid outdoorsman, crack-shot deer and wild turkey hunter, fisherman and lobster diver in the Florida Keys. He was a fan of college and pro football teams always pulling for the Tampa Bay Bucs and Florida’s college teams. He was also a talented mechanic often repairing his own vehicles and equipment. However, the greatest passion in his life was his faith as a follower of Jesus, being a man of prayer and his dedication to the First Baptist Church of Riverview. Eldridge was a soul winner at home and on mission trips including trips to Brazil, including one with daughter Diane. He was a lay leader in the church as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, music leader and was a dear friend with the late Rev. Dr. Ben L. Earnest, Jr., and his wife Charlotte. For years Eldridge took care of the church grounds every week by cleaning up limbs and yard debris, mostly by himself. He also collected, cleaned, and sold scrap metal, donating thousands of dollars to the church building fund.

The Miller family is deeply grateful to St. Joseph South hospital in Riverview for their compassion during Eldridge’s time under their care. The family also is grateful to the FBC of Riverview, Pastors Keith Thompson, Randall Hosea, and countless friends in the church family.