Edwin Burnell Miller Jr.

Edwin B. Miller, Jr (81) passed away at Jackson Hospice Home on Thursday, September 17th, 2026.

Ed answered to many names in his lifetime. To some, he was “Ace”. This name was given to him by his grandfather. To others, he was “Ed”. To his wife of 54 years, Nancy, he was “hon”. To his children - Michelle, Suzi (Jason), Scott (Jo-Anne) – he was “Dad”. To his beloved grandchildren – Isabella, Adeline and Rory- he was “Papa”. Regardless of the moniker used, he was the family member, friend, co-worker, teammate with the sense of humor and ready smile when he greeted you.

Ed led a long, full life. Throughout the decades, one constant was how precious family was to him. He would often say that the best days of his life were the births of his children, surpassed only by the births of his grandchildren. His happiest moments were when he was with his family.

“Family” meant more than simply biology to Ed. Whether it was his golf league, softball teammates, Euchre partners, fishing buddies, bowling pals, Grotto gang, or the friends of his children, Ed’s loyalty was to the community he created. Family lore has many tales that exemplify this. It isn’t possible to include all of them here but one that stands out is the infamous orange shirt with the words “Ace Miller is my dad”. His daughters wore them as oversized nightgowns in their early years, but they were originally worn by his softball team (or was it golf league?) as a surprise one night. I cannot give credit to the original mastermind, but the beauty of being someone whose friends spent the time and effort to create an endearing moment of laughter and love really speaks to the relationships Ed formed in his life.

Ed accomplished many things in his lifetime, including acceptance to an Ivy League college (just to see if he could), state social services auditor, veteran, and coach. He mastered the art of creating his “racing stripes” by sitting outside in the sun reading in the backyard or while on the family pontoon on the Wolf Lake sandbar. The dad jokes were… constant. His playfulness was lifelong.

To the very end, Ed would say goodbye to his family with “love you” and “be safe”. The ever present “All the be stuff” (be happy, safe and careful out there) were his mantra.

So, in honor of Ed, spend time with your family, watch some sports (any sport will do), raise a beer and share a Dad joke.

Thank you to everyone that was part of Ed’s family. You were loved.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Jackson. This was an organization that was very important to Ed.

There will be a celebration of Ed’s life on Thursday, September 24th, 12-2pm at The Grotto Club. All are welcome.