Kent Miller

Walter Kent Miller, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, writer, and editor, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 72 years old.

Kent was born on February 1, 1954, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was raised in Wilmington, Delaware, by his loving parents, Walter and Dorothy Miller. He grew up alongside his sisters, Carolyn and Wendy, and carried a deep appreciation for family throughout his life.

A lifelong learner with a passion for communication and storytelling, Kent attended the College of William & Mary, where he initially pursued microbiology before earning a bachelor’s degree in English. He later earned a second bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. His education laid the foundation for a distinguished career in journalism.

Kent began his newspaper career as a writer and photographer for a weekly newspaper in Henrico County, Virginia. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced to become editor of several weekly newspapers in the Richmond area, including the Henrico County Line and the Goochland Gazette. He later spent the majority of his professional career as an editor with Army Times Publishing Company, serving through multiple ownership transitions, including Gannett Integra. Throughout his career, Kent was respected for his integrity, sharp editorial skills, and commitment to quality journalism.

Before entering the newspaper industry, Kent worked in construction and later at a psychiatric hospital in Richmond, Virginia. It was there that he met both his best friend, Michael Platz, and the love of his life, Joan “PJ” Miller. Kent and PJ shared 42 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on love and family.

Together they raised two children, Michael and Emily, whom Kent cherished not only as a father but also as a mentor. He took great pride in guiding, teaching, encouraging, and coaching his children throughout their lives.

One of Kent’s greatest joys was becoming a grandfather. Through his son Michael and daughter-in-law Roxanne, he was blessed with a grandson, Jaden, and through his daughter Emily, he was blessed with a granddaughter, Monroe. Kent loved both grandchildren dearly, treasured every moment spent with them, and delighted in watching them grow.

Kent and PJ began their life together camping throughout New England, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. He had a deep love for the outdoors and the wildlife that inhabited it. Whether watching loons on Long Pond in Maine, feeding chipmunks along the shoreline, or befriending raccoons in Virginia, Kent found joy in nature and formed a special connection with the animals around him.

Sports were a lifelong passion for Kent—especially his well-known obsession with Duke basketball. He played basketball in high school and remained especially proud of his defensive abilities. Throughout adulthood, he enjoyed pickup basketball, tennis, golf, and fishing. He also devoted many years to coaching youth baseball and basketball, impacting countless young athletes with his patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

Kent was known for his genuine kindness and generous spirit. He found great fulfillment serving with the Helping Hands furniture ministry, where he developed meaningful friendships and touched the lives of many families in need. Helping others brought him immense joy and purpose.

To those who knew him, Kent was often the life of the party. He loved singing, dancing, and sharing stories that could make an entire room laugh. His warmth, humor, and ability to connect with people made him a beloved friend and companion.

In June 2025, Kent was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). True to his character, he faced his illness with courage, determination, and grace. Even as his health declined, he remained determined to live life fully. One of his final adventures was attending a Bruce Springsteen concert. Armed with oxygen tanks, a wheelchair, and his trademark determination, Kent enjoyed every moment, proving once again that he never let obstacles stand in the way of living life to the fullest.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dorothy Miller.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Joan “PJ” Miller; his son, Michael Miller (Roxanne); his daughter, Emily Miller; his cherished grandchildren, Jaden Harriot and Monroe Sanders; his sisters, Carolyn Sexton (Fred) and Wendy Balakhani (Mohsen); his “brothers from another mother,” cousin Michael Averill and lifelong friend Michael Platz; his in-laws, Jean Eufemia, John Eufemia, Elizabeth Zeoli, Ann Tripodi (Paul), Mary Harrop (David), Robert Eufemia, Joseph Eufemia, and Ellen Cohen (Greg); and numerous nieces and nephews who were very dear to him, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A celebration of Kent’s life will be held at a later date.

Kent’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, coach, and storyteller. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, humor, resilience, and unwavering love for family and friends.