Edward Eugene Miller

Edward Eugene Miller, of Edgewater FL passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on September 7, 1940, in Terry, West Virginia, Gene was the beloved son of Curtis William Miller, Sr. and Laura Jane Miller. He was one of seven children, cherished brother to Dreama Miller Scarbro (deceased), Curtis Miller, Jr. (deceased), David Lee Miller, Rodney Dale Miller, Johnny Ray Miller (deceased) and Harry Rogers Miller (deceased).
For 64 years Gene was a loving husband to Carol Burdiss Miller; he was a devoted father to Susan Lynn Renzulli of Nantucket and Edward William Miller of Florida (deceased in 2013), proud grandfather to Joseph Roger Renzulli and his wife Martha Aracely Lastra Renzulli of Boston, and adoring great-grandpop to twins Joseph Rodger Renzulli II and Ariana Isabelle Renzulli.
A distinguished academic and athlete, Gene graduated from Mullens High School, where he served as class president each year and was a consistent honor student. His leadership extended beyond the classroom as president of the Latin Club and participant in the prestigious West Virginia Boys State in 1958. Gene's excellence on the basketball court earned him statewide and national recognition. He was named to the 1958 West Virginia All-State Basketball Team and the Helms Sports Magazine All-American Preseason Team. He also received numerous regional honors in both basketball and football, securing athletic scholarships from several colleges.
He attended Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) on scholarship where he majored in Pre-Med and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. A member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and a two-time basketball team captain, he was honored as Male Student of the Year in 1962. His athletic legacy includes over 1,000 career points scored, WVIAC All-Conference honors, and the MVP award in the 1962 WVIAC Tournament. He is proudly enshrined in multiple halls of fame, including those of Mullens High School, the University of Charleston, Wyoming County, and the West Virginia Legends Club.
Gene later officiated high school and college basketball and football for 15 years, and served on the West Virginia White Water Rafting Commission. Professionally, Gene brought his dedication and leadership to the pharmaceutical industry, working for Burroughs Welcome and Geigy Pharmaceuticals for 16 years combined. He also pursued entrepreneurial ventures, owning the Chuck Wagon Restaurant & Motel in Oak Hill, WV, Traders Bar in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and co-owning Cuda's Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach. He later became a respected science teacher at Heritage Middle School, serving as Head of the Science Department for 12 of his 13 years there.
He was an active community member, affiliated with the Charleston Elks Lodge, Beckley Moose Lodge, Kentucky Colonels, and several prestigious country clubs throughout West Virginia and Florida.
Gene lived life passionately, with interests as broad as his talents. He was an avid reader, a 3-handicap golfer, and a skilled trainer of English Setter hunting dogs. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, golf, watching sports and exploring the outdoors. His favorite authors included John Jakes and Ernest Hemingway, and his most beloved book was The Bible. He appreciated the music of Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, and Kris Kristofferson.
Gene Miller leaves behind a legacy of integrity, excellence, and deep love for his family, friends, and community. He will be remembered for his generous heart, sharp wit, magnificent storytelling, and the countless lives he touched. He was the beloved Pop to not only his grandson Joey but many of Joey's friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to a favorite charity. Pop Warner Football and Police Athletic League (PAL) children's sports programs were two favorites of Gene's.