Lt. Col. Brett Arlen Miller Ret.

Brett Miller, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, in his wife's embrace, at Duke Medical Center, in Durham, North Carolina, after a valiant fight to recover from lung transplant surgery. He was 68 years old.
Born in Montana to Lee and Sue Miller, Brett was raised with strong values that would shape his character and leadership throughout his life. He attended Bear Creek High School in Denver, Colorado, where he began developing the resilience, discipline, and commitment that would later define his military and professional careers.
Brett served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1977 to 2003. During his 26-year career, he earned numerous awards and commendations for his leadership and unwavering service to his country. His military career was a testament to his integrity, hard work, and profound dedication to those he led. Those character traits, while honed in his service to country, were on display in all his endeavors and relationships in life. Brett's perseverance and commitment to achieve any goal was never any stronger than in the adversity he faced in his final weeks. His strong will, and ultimate graceful acceptance of his fate, are a model we will all remember.
Alongside Brett's fulfilment with his career, his greatest pride and joy came from his family. He was married to the love of his life, Susan Miller, for 45 years, a union marked by deepening friendship, shared laughter, and an unshakeable bond. Together, they raised two sons, Brian and Kevin; they welcomed two daughters-in-law, Leah and Sonia; they treasured their two grandchildren, Kyle and Maya; and excitedly anticipate their third blessing, a granddaughter, due in July. Brett found immense joy in being an uncle, father and grandfather, sharing his wisdom, sense of humor, and love of life with his family. Storytelling abounded in the Miller and Bero households, usually with a small flare for embellishment; ranging across all swaths of life from mischief in Montana grain silos, camping conundrums, hurricane fiascos, coaching and sport event triumphs and tribulations, and anything that occurred in a shop or garage. He built an innate sense of hard work ethic, enthusiasm for everything thrown at you in life, and thankfulness for time spent with family. These treasured memories and lessons continue to grow and live on each day, passed down through generations of Millers, shared across the ever expanding Bero side of the family, and carried on through lifelong friendships.
Brett's passions reflected his vibrant and loyal spirit. He cherished Thursday Night Football gatherings at Tony's man cave. He loved cheering on his beloved Denver Broncos. He had a brilliant and quick mind, delighting in solving daily puzzles and playing games with Sue and family. He was a Jeopardy whiz, crowned Master Champion in the family domain. Brett and Sue were adventurous road trippers, happiest with Brett behind the wheel and Sue navigating them to spontaneous destinations across the country. They enthusiastically shared their love of the USA with family and friends.
Later in life, Brett made the life-changing decision to give his heart to Jesus, a choice that guided him in grace and service. He was active in his church, serving others with quiet humility and deep faith.
In addition to his immediate family, Brett is survived by his beloved brother Eric, sister- in-law Leslie, and their children Caleb and Elise; and many extended family members, fellow Marines, and dear friends who will miss him profoundly.
A celebration of Brett's life will be held on June 14th at 1pm at First Christian Church Richlands, followed by a USMC military honors ceremony at 3 pm at the Vietnam Memorial of Jacksonville, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Duke Health Organization or First Christian Church Richlands.
Brett's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched-always with a firm handshake, a servant's heart, and a sparkle in his eye. We take comfort in knowing he is now with his Savior, breathing freely and whole again. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lt. Col. Brett, please visit our floral store.