Richard Lee Miller, age 77, died on December 22, 2023, surrounded in love by his entire family. A loving father to Bryan Miller and Lori Townsend (Bill) and the best Grandpa to William and Alana Townsend. He is survived by his brother, Ronald Miller (Nancy) and preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Miller, his father Victor Miller, his mother Doris Miller Gabbard and his brother, Gerald Miller.
Born in Columbus Wisconsin, Richard moved to Illinois in 1958 but was forever a die-hard Packers fan. After high school, Richard enlisted in the Navy and served his country for four years including one year in Vietnam. Richard was a union truck driver who drove for Certified Grocers for 35 years. He was an avid bowler and golfer until the last few years when health issues prevented him from partaking in these favorite past times anymore. Luckily, he was also an avid card player (maybe a bit of a savant) and enjoyed this activity in the company of friends at the senior center near his home in recent years.
Above all, Richard was a good, kind man, with a big heart who provided for his family to the best of his ability even though he did not come from the same stability in his own childhood. The greatest example of this being the care he provided his wife as her health continued to decline over many years. He always said that she took such good care of him that he was grateful he could return the favor. Richard was frugal, but also a very generous man and his children always knew he had their back if ever needed.
Richard was over-the-moon to become a grandpa for the first time and was the best-est buddy to his grandson Will, and a doting grandpa to his granddaughter, Alana. He was present for his grandchildren in the same ways he was present for his children. He was a teacher of games (especially card games). When he was younger, he was the dad that taught his kids to play tennis, catch, board games, chess, billiards and genuinely enjoyed spending time with his family. Thanks to him, his grandson learned how to play Texas Hold’em at a very young age and may have a good shot at the World Series of Poker someday. Richard loved the Golden Oldies, was quick to tell a joke to try to make you laugh, a good dancer, playful and young at heart. May he rest easy and perhaps have a chance to cut a rug again with his wife of almost 50 years.
All services will be private. Special thanks again to Dunes Hospice and Linda Townsend for their help and support during this very difficult time.
GUESTBOOK
My heartfelt sympathy to cousins Bryan and Lori, my Aunt Linda, and his grandchildren. When I was young, uncle Dick was so much fun and a kind and funny uncle. I’m glad he passed surrounded by family. Much love to all. -Lisa Miller
