Donald Lee Miller passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2021 in Virginia Beach, VA surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on June 9, 1929 is Sipsey, Alabama. He was the youngest son of Charles Otis and Ruby Lee Ott Miller, who preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by his 11 siblings.
Don graduated from Dora High School in 1947 where he was an outstanding baseball player. Following high school he was scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies. Deciding instead to enlist in the Navy, Don spent the next 20 years on assignments including US NAS Guantanamo Bay Cuba, USS Basilone (DDE-824), USS Hunley (AS31), and US Naval Reserve Training Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
After retirement from the Navy in 1967 as HMCS, Don began a college career and received a BS in Pharmacy in 1972 from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, he returned to the Tidewater area and worked with Peoples Drug. Don's 25 years as a pharmacist included work for People Drug, Eckerd, and Revco. Following retirement in 1997, he enjoyed volunteer work with his wife, Johnnie. Don prepared the Brunswick stew for many years for the annual Craft Faire at the historic Francis Land House.
Don was a member of the American Legion, lifetime member of the Virginia Beach Beautification Commission, and member of the Friends of the Historic Houses of Virginia Beach. He loved his Georgia Bulldogs, and family events were planned around game day kickoff. Additionally, Don was an avid backyard birdwatcher.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Johnnie Ruth Scarborough Miller; daughters, Leigh M. Henck and Donna M. Starddard; sons-in-law, Bill Henck and Greg Starddard; and beloved grandsons, David and Ryan Henck. Don has numerous nieces and nephews in Georgia and Alabama.
A Graveside service for Don is planned for Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 1pm at Rosewood Memorial Park, 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach VA 23462. You may offer your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.
