Robert Dowl Miller

Born on May 5, 1937, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Bob joined the United States Navy as a young man. He served eight years in the Navy's engineering department across two tours (1954–1958 and 1961–1965). Serving aboard two aircraft carriers and two destroyers, he made four WESTPAC deployments, patrolling the waters between China and Taiwan and visiting ports in Japan, Hawaii, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Taiwan. His military service brought him across the country to Everett, where he met Bernita Ledford. The two were married in 1958 and welcomed their son, Richard, in 1959.

Life eventually led Bob to Southern California, where he spent 60 years, living along the coast. He began his civilian career in 1965, threading pipe for $1.85 an hour before moving into oil production. He retired in 1997 after dedicating a 32-year career with Signal Oil & Gas (later Shell Oil).

During his time in California, he shared more than 20 years of companionship with his special friend, Anne. In April 2021, Bob returned to Washington, moving to Marysville to spend his final years surrounded by his family.

Bob’s family was his true pride and joy. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than attending his great-grandchildren’s sports games or hearing every detail about their latest play. Bob was well known for showing off family photos and bragging about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to anyone within earshot.

Bob is survived by his loving son, Richard Miller, and his wife, Becki; his grandchildren, Lindsey Watkins (Neil), Ryan Miller (Melissa), and Violet Miller (Evelyn); and his great-grandchildren, Amelia, Rory, Kollin, Atlas, and Sutton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Sam” Miller Sr. and Pauline Miller, and his brothers, Ralph and Carson Miller.