Robert George Miller Sr.

Robert grew up in the Parker, AZ community and was educated in the Parker school system. All throughout junior high and high school he was a celebrated athlete earning many awards and recognition in football, basketball and track and field. In high school he lettered in both football and track and field. Additionally, he was part of the All-American Football team and earned serval AWest football awards. He was recognized for outstanding physical education which was an honorary achievement and was even named outstanding athlete one year.

Upon graduating from high school, Robert enlisted into the United States Department of the Army. He honored the motto: “This We Will Defend” while serving 13 years of honorable active duty. Robert ranked up to the position of Staff Sargent, decorated to teach mechanics. During the last five years of his military duties, he taught subordinate soldiers the trade of maintaining army trucks and M-1 tanks. Staff Sargent Miller earned five ARCOMs (Army Commendation Medal) and three Army service ribbons during his enlistment. He served two tours of duty in Germany.

Robert returned to Parker with his family and began an eventful civilian life. He was gainfully employed by Colorado River Indian Tribes (C.R.I.T) Employment Development for 10 years. After which, he became a Custodian at Blake School for several years. He then returned to C.R.I.T. where he worked in the Social Service Department where he transported individuals to appointments around the state of Arizona. After many years in the workforce, Robert followed his late father, Elder Willis Miller’s, entrepreneurial legacy to open his own recycling business, Sun Metals. As owner and operator of this small business, Robert offered employment to many in the Parker community. Health issues ushered him into the golden years of retirement.

The mantle of his father fell upon Robert’s shoulders, spiritually and naturally. Naturally, of the eight Miller children, only Robert suffered with kidney failure and endured many years of dialysis just like his dad. Spiritually, Robert, too became an ordained Elder serving in the Lily of the Valley (LOTV) Church of God in Christ, Parker, AZ under the leadership of Supt. Pastor Darrel W. Grissum. Elder Miller served as YPWW President where he led the youth in many successful events and assisted with many projects around the church including creatively designing and constructing booths used for the Annual District YPWW carnival held on the LOTV church grounds. Further, he assisted with many car washes and BBQ rib fundraisers to support the church. Elder Miller was often publicly acknowledged by his leader for his efforts with the construction of the Elder Willis Miller Hall at LOTV. Overall, the youth who participated in the YPWW under his leadership will best remember him for his military oriented marching drills to bible verses.

Robert was a family man who loved family gatherings. He was a pit master and loved cooking for the family. Robert developed his skills on the grill at a young age, grilling alongside his father at Willis Fish & Chips, a family-owned BBQ, burger and fried fish business. Robert and siblings helped their father to build the old-fashioned brick laid BBQ pit still standing at the Miller homestead.

One of Robert’s favorite entertainments was going to boat races with his brothers. He also enjoyed putting together model boats and cars. Additionally, Robert could often be found spoiling his grandchildren. But overall, he loved sharing the word of God. He kept religious tracks which he boldly handed out and would ask, “if you were to die right now, do you know where your soul will go?” Ultimately, Robert’s ministry works were performed outside of the church in the community where he spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Robert was married to Francine Riggio with whom he had three children: Desiree J. Miller, Odessa K. Miller, and the late Robert G. Miller, Jr. He later married Cecilia Elizabeth (Liz) Christian Miller with whom he added two daughters to the family: Angela Miller Pullom and Roberta Miller Jones. This union also joined Milton Christian and Christy Christian to the family, competing the immediate family circle.

On October 23, 2025, Elder Robert G. Miller transitioned from labor to reward. He leaves to celebrate his life, his beloved wife of 44 years, Cecilia E. (Liz) Miller, his 94-year-old mother, Mother Ava K. Miller of Parker, AZ, his daughters: Desire J. Miller of Phoenix, AZ, Odessa K. Miller of West Los Angeles, CA, Angela Y. Miller Pullom (Clifford) of Avondale, AZ, Roberta C. Miller Jones of Parker, AZ, and Milton Christian and Christy Christian of Colorado Springs, CO, his beloved grandchildren, Georgette, Alexxis, Ashley, Jalayne, Josyas, Elizabeth, Aaliyah, Jezrah and Na’Sia, and his great grandchildren: Javier “Harvey” and Charlene.

Robert also leaves behind sisters: Jacqueline Denton of Yuma, AZ, Reba (Earl) Carter and Lillian Miller of Parker, AZ, and Wilma (Isiah) McGahee of Killen, TX, and brothers: Wayne (Jeanette) Miller and Timothy (Suzette) Miller of Parker, AZ. He leaves a host of aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and many, many friends.

Robert is preceded in death by his grandfather: the late Bishop George Johnson, grandmother: the late Mother Ava Johnson, father: the late Elder Willis Miller, brother: the late Michael Miller, Sr., and son: the late Robert G. Miller, Jr.