David Harlan Miller

On Monday, January 25, 2016, David Harlan Miller went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his loving family. David was born on February 17, 1950, in Bakersfield, California to the late R.L. and Fern Miller As a young boy, David and his family moved seasonally from Arizona to Bakersfield from 1950 to 1955 then settled in Shafter, CA where he was raised and learned the value of hard work at a very young age harvesting potatoes, cotton, and many other crops in the fields of Kern County. He graduated from Shafter High School in 1968. Soon after high school David met the love of his life, Wanda, and after a short courtship they married on November 23, 1968. David and Wanda spent the next year in Bakersfield where he worked odd jobs. The summer of 1970 found new opportunity for David, Wanda, and their three children in Fresno, CA where David tried his hand at carpentry working for a local contractor. This soon became his passion that would build a legacy. The Construction Industry knew and respected David as the fair and honest man that he was. He was known for his tenaciousness and his willingness to provide the best project his crew could offer. David touched many people in this industry, from suppliers, subcontractors, crew and team members to owners. The extent of his integrity and fairness knew no bounds. David was also known for his love of the outdoors. He played as hard as he worked. Many joyful memories will be treasured by family and friends of countless camping, fishing, and hunting trips. His love for his children and grandchildren was exemplified when he made a point to attend the numerous softball games, wrestling tournaments, baseball and football games, water polo matches, cheer competitions, academic achievements and golf tournaments of the family he so cherished. David's greatest passion was his love for his faith in Christianity. As a devout Christian, David could be found attending his weekly Men's Church of Christ Meetings and spreading the word to all those with the willingness to listen. David, Dad, Papa, and Friend will be missed beyond measure by those who loved and knew him. We love and miss you "Papa".

He was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of 42 years, Wanda, and his sister, Carol Ramay.

David is survived by his three children, Teri Hunter, Tonia and Jeff Norton, and Davy Miller and his love Janelle; nine grandchildren, Brandon and Jerrod Bottoms, Jeffery, Andrew and Lindsay Norton, Alyssa, Carissa, Jacob and Reese Miller; two great-grandchildren, Maverick and Zoe Bottoms; brothers, Jimmy and his wife Vicki Miller, Floyd Miller and Jerry Cochran; sister, Kathy Richardson and her husband David; brother-in-law, Mike Ramay; many nieces and nephews will also miss their Uncle David.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Monday, February 1, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Woodward Park Church of Christ at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to David's church, Northwest Church of Christ, 4150 N. Polk Ave. Fresno, Ca 93722.