David Miller

David Norman Miller, 78, of West Liberty, KY, passed away on December 12, 2025, at St. Claire Hospital in Morehead, KY, after a brief illness.

Born on April 13, 1947, and raised in Magnolia, KY, he was the son of the late Sarah Salt and Clifford Jackson. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sarah Marcole Miller, his brother Tom Miller, his uncle Frank Johnston Salt, his aunt Mary Elizabeth Ragland, and his maternal grandmother Frances Johnston "Bobo" Salt.

David is survived by his sons: John Nathaniel Miller of Louisville, KY, Thomas Ryan Miller (Alicia Keller) of Morehead, KY, and David Michael Miller (Soo Kim) of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by a loving extended family with whom he remained close throughout his life, including cousins Eddie and Kim Ragland of Elizabethtown, KY, Barb and Louis Yeast of Harrodsburg, KY, Frank Ragland of Bedford, KY, Martie Salt of Longwood, FL, and Diane and Ben Tidwell of Boynton Beach, FL.

David was a 1965 graduate of Louisville Male High School and earned his Bachelor of Science from Western Kentucky University in 1973.

David served honorably in the United States Army as a radio operator assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. Obtaining the rank of Sergeant, he saw combat, was wounded in action, and received numerous decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.

Following his military service, David completed college and began his career as an industrial arts instructor at Moore Haven High School in Florida, where he met his future wife, Mary Murphy Loudermilk (div. 2001), the mother of his children.

In 1974, David relocated to Morgan County, KY, where he farmed and worked for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department of Highways as a bridge engineer for 29 years until his retirement in 2003. He also served with distinction as President and Director of the Kentucky Transportation Employee's Association from 1984 to 2002.

David had a deep love for his family, the outdoors, and took pride in repairing, building, and creating things himself. He enjoyed landscaping, rappelling in the Red River Gorge, sailing, and restoring classic cars. He was widely respected for his skill, work ethic, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, at Dixon-Rogers Funeral Home, located in Magnolia, KY, followed by full military honors at Magnolia Cemetery.

Memorial visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday.

Honorary Pallbearers: Eddie Ragland, Frank Ragland, Steve Ratliff, Rod Wells, Paul Drake, Charles Meers, and Greg Shepherd.