Gary F. Miller

Gary F. Miller died peacefully in his sleep early morning on Saturday, June 15, 2024. "A man who has friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend who will stick closer than any brother." Proverbs 18:24, followed by John 15:13: "Greater love has no man than this than a man who would lay down his life for his friends."
If you were around Gary, you'd hear these scriptures said aloud on multiple occasions. He lived a life of faith out daily in front of his family and friends. If you needed prayer, you knew you could go to the Millers' house and Gary would pray for you. He did this right up until the end of his life. He loved God, his country, his wife and three daughters fiercely. His treasured title, though, was Papaw Gary.
Gary was never ashamed of the Gospel. He shared it with everyone he encountered–co-workers, neighbors, even strangers. As a devoted veteran, he prayed daily for our local schools, local government, police, firefighters and the men and women who serve in our military. For many years, he would bring the American flag nightly into the family room and if you were there, he would expect you to participate with him in stating the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Gary was the proud son of the late Rev. David E. and Thelma Miller, Sr. He leaves behind a beloved brother, David Miller, Jr. (Debbie) of Williamsburg, Kentucky, a wife of 57 years who was his teammate for life, Phyllis E. Miller. He leaves behind three daughters–Sandra L. Samsel (Dennis), Susan Miller and Bethany E. Williams (Paul). He loved his sons-in-law and boasted to all about their work ethic. His real pride and joy were his three grandchildren–Nathan Samsel, Aaron and Charlotte Williams. Gary had some special friends in his life whom he considered family–Billy Thomas, Amy Yeats Kaiser, Amy Blackwell Cissell, Jason Stevens, Jacqueline Myers and Pam Knight English. He enjoyed the laughter, stories and prayers with each of these family friends.
Gary was born on Eagan Mountain in Jellico, Tennessee on his grandparents' farm. His family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio where he graduated from Hughes High School in 1964. Growing up, he played every sport he could to keep him out of trouble. Gary was drafted into the Air Force after graduation where he spent many years. He joined the Chessie System Railroad as an engineer and worked until an injury in 1983 prevented him from continuing. He received the call to ministry in the late 1970s and commuted from Cincinnati to Boyce Bible School in the early 1980s. He was ordained at Blue Ash Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio where he taught a much loved Sunday School class which produced lifelong friendships. He pastored at Day Heights Baptist Church, Graceland Baptist as well as being a volunteer minister at Yellowwood Retirement Center for almost 25 years.
His life reflects someone who had great faith, prayed big prayers and loved listening to people. Gary and his prayers for all will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank everyone who has cared for Gary over the past year. There have been many special friendships made which will not be forgotten.
The family will host an informal receiving of friends and family at Southeast Christian Church Indiana Campus on Wednesday, June 26 from 4:00pm -7:00pm. Please enter through door 4. To God be the glory.