LTC L.S. "Larry" Miller, USAF (Ret.)

L.S. “Larry” Miller was born on April 8, 1919 in Taft, Texas to Fannie and Lafayette Smith Miller. He was the only son and youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilynn Miller, daughters Judy Gregory and Diane Pegg, and sisters Ruby Stuart, Rae Blundell and Marie Thurman.

L.S. grew up in San Antonio and attended Brackenridge High School where he was an accomplished tennis player. He and his tennis partner won the City tennis doubles championship his senior year. In 1962, he graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelors of Business Administration.

L.S. joined the Army Air Corps in August 1943 during World War II. During his time in the Army Air Corps Larry was trained as a pilot. As the war was coming to an end the US Army Air Corp did not need as many pilots and Larry was to be reassigned as a tail gunner in the Pacific Theatre. In route to the Pacific Larry met another soldier who played baseball for the Army Air Corps team in Hawaii. Once Larry arrived in Hawaii this same soldier asked Larry to join the team to replace an injured player and he played baseball during this tour of duty. His orders were changed to enable him to work in supply as well.

Larry returned to San Antonio in March 1946 were he became a bus driver for the city and met the love of his life, Marilynn Crawford. He and Marilynn married on August 12, 1947.

Even though Larry had left the Army Air Corps, he became a member of the Texas Air National Guard and was recalled to active duty for the Korean Conflict where he was stationed at Langley AFB, VA. Larry later left active duty. He then became a member of the 433rd Alamo Air Force Reserves until his retirement April 1979. Larry retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Prior to his retirement Larry was promoted to Colonel to be stationed at the Pentagon. He refused this promotion in order for his children to finish their education in San Antonio.

After his retirement from the military he started a second career and joined his sisters at the Southside Reporter. Upon their death, he became the majority stockholder and served as President. At the age of 75, he sold the company and finally was able to spend more time with his family and his other love – tennis. He played tennis with a group of men several days a week up until two years ago.

Larry was always very active in all his children’s activities. He was the father of 8 girls and one son – “his very own baseball team” There was always either a game going on in the backlot – or he was pitching to his kids – or was playing catch with them. He also taught all of his children to play the game of tennis – even hit the ball against the wall with them at Rogers Middle School.

As the kids grew older they would come over on Saturdays bringing along his grandchildren. He would make a special trip to get tamales for everyone to enjoy while visiting. He was not known for his cooking abilities but he made great fudge and his French fries were legendary. Larry also loved to play cards and dominoes. He would play dominoes with his kids and even taught his grandson, Jaiden, how to play.

Larry passed away peacefully on Friday, May 21, 2010 after suffering a massive stroke the previous week. He will be remembered for being the best husband, father and grandfather in the world and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.