Richard D. Miller, 81, of Hollansburg, Ohio, was joyously greeted at Heaven’s Gate on Saturday, April 2, 2022, by his beloved wife, Joyce (Martin) Miller; lifelong friend, Ronnie Bowman; parents, Jean & Bob Hoover and Dr. Charles Miller; his dear grandparents; stepbrother, Kent Miller; and his nephew, Bill Miller.
Richard was born in Dayton, Ohio on March 18, 1941, the eldest son of Jean (Peffley) Hoover and Dr. Charles E. Miller. He absolutely never knew a stranger and will forever be remembered for his caring and nurturing manner. He enriched numerous lives along his journey. This man’s energy level was topped by none as he always tried to make the world a better place.
He grew up in Germantown, Ohio as his Pop (Bob Hoover) said Richard and his brother, Bill, needed to grow up in the country. He readily attended to animals and crops. He always enjoyed music and played in the school band, was in 4-H, and ROTC. After graduation from Germantown High School, he attended Ohio State University for his accounting degree.
He began work at his Grandpa T.D. Peffley’s Dayton, Ohio Ford Dealership, doing record keeping and anything else he was asked. Richard then moved onto bookkeeping for Gallagher Drugs. Upon marrying Joyce and starting their family, they decided it best to move to the country. He whisked his city girl off to be a Farmer’s Wife raising cows on JoyRich Dairy Farm. They also raised pigs, sheep, goats, ponies, chickens, and anything else that came along. They worked together growing a full garden and canning produce every summer.
After leaving the dairy industry in the early 1970’s, Richard then returned to his accounting degree as the bookkeeper for the Dayton Theological Seminary for several years.
In the 1980’s Richard and Joyce became the proprietors of Garden Gate Greenhouse and Florist which he ran for several years meeting the needs of the community for plants, flowers, and seeds. Richard’s last career path was that of a Tri-Village kindergarten teacher which ultimately became his most favored. What a perfect fit for this nurturing soul. He absolutely loved all the kids and crafted each day into a fun learning experience. Everyone wanted to be in Mr. Miller’s class. At retirement, he continued to work with youth as a 4-H advisor, he was a certified poultry tester, and loved walking his dogs. He continued as a caregiver for his mom and then later for Joyce.
Richard will be recalled as a stellar Dad. Always present with love and an assist if needed. He leaves behind daughter Susie (Tim) Libert of Shelbyville, IN; son Doug (Amanda) Miller of Loveland, OH and grandchildren: Coryn Younger, Makenna Younger, Makayla Younger, Micah Miller, and Cameron Miller; brother Dr. Bill (Pat) Miller of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 3 nieces, and 1 nephew.
The family invites you to join them in a reception of friends to honor Richard on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus.
If you knew Richard Miller and wish to honor his memory, find a positive way to give back: plant some bulbs, vegetables, or a tree; bake something wonderful; read a story to a child; or just reach out and help someone.
Online condolences may be shared with Richard’s family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com