David Stafford Miller

Capt. David Stafford Miller took off for his final flight on Dec. 11, 2022 after a 4 1/2 month struggle with a malignant glioblastoma brain tumor. His final months were full of visitors, well wishers and send offs from friends and family near and far.

David was born in Mobile, Alabama to Dr. WR Miller and MaryAnn Miller. He grew up in Auburn, AL where his father taught in the Veterinary School at Auburn University. David graduated from AU in 1977 with a degree in Aviation Management.

Captain Miller's first true love was flying: it started at the ripe old age of three! He caught "the bug" while flying on the lap of the crop dusting neighbor. Upon graduation from Auburn University, he was commissioned in the Marine Corps and slated to fly helicopters. The 13 years in the Marine Corps took him around the world and commenced in HMX/Marine One squadron. He left the Marines in 1990 earning the rank of Major. After departing the Marines, David was hired by American Airlines where he flew for 29 years: all incident free! During his career he flew the Boeing 727, Super 80, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Airbus 319, 320 and 321. He safely shuttled millions of passengers all over the US, Canada, Central and South America and Europe. After his retirement in September 2019, Capt. Dave was recruited by his alma mater to teach in the School of Aviation where he was able to share his skills with students by managing the Airbus A320 flight simulator. His career took him full circle back to his humble beginnings in Auburn where he took his first solo flight while a teenager to mentoring the next generation of aviators. David was a natural teacher and absolutely loved sharing his knowledge and what it's really like to be an airline pilot.

He accepted his terminal diagnosis like the peaceful warrior he was. He never asked "why me?" At no time did Dave ever complain that the glioblastoma brain tumor robbed him of his motor function and ability to speak. Dave was still able to communicate with a toothy grin, an eye roll or a "thumbs up"! Dave was at home in hospice for a few months with the support friends and family who gave David an amazing final send off. Dear friends Lisa Ferris and Veronika Platzer quit their jobs to be Dave's primary caregivers during those difficult weeks. Dozens of friends and family came to support David on his final journey. His spirit was peacefully set free on December 11, 2022.

David was preceded in death by his father Dr. WR Miller, Father in law James E Fitzgerald & numerous active Marines that he served with throughout his military career. Capt. Miller is survived by his mother MaryAnn Stafford Miller (Auburn, AL), sister Marianne Miller Cone (Auburn, AL), daughter Kristin Sue Miller (husband Jose Velazco, grandchildren Adeline and Lillian of Boise, ID), daughter Catherine Miller Jones (husband Robert Jones, grandson Jasper of Boise, ID), son William David Miller (wife Katie, grandson Hudson of Cedar Park, TX), Mother in law Audrey Fitzgerald, numerous brother & sister in laws, nieces, nephews and their families and his wife of 33 years Maureen "Mo" Fitzgerald.

Two "Final Takeoff" celebrations are planned.

Jan 22nd, 2023 from 1-4 pm. at the Auburn University School of Aviation Delta Education Bldg. 335 Aviation Way, Auburn, AL 36832

Feb. 5, 2023 12-4 pm at the Hula Hut Lake Austin, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.

Palapa Event Area, Austin, TX 78703.

RSVP to Mo Fitzgerald @ 512-771-3759

The family has set up the "Miller family endowed scholarship fund" in the School of Aviation. Follow the link https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/williammiller or you can send checks made payable to

Auburn University Foundation

Attn: Kelly Ard

323 Biggin Hall

Auburn, AL, 36830 David Stafford October 8, 1954 ? December 11, 2022 Miller