Gary Joseph Miller

Gary J. Miller, 60, of Oblong, IL, passed away on July 13, 2025, at Robinson Rehab, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on January 26, 1965, in Robinson, IL, to John and Betty Miller, Gary was raised in the area north of Oblong, known to his family and friends as "McMillerville." He was a graduate of Oblong High School, where he played football, sang in the chorus, and performed in school plays. Those early years shaped a man who was quick-witted, funny, and unapologetically himself. You never had to wonder where you stood with Gary—he was a straight shooter; rooted in truth, steady in his ways, and always real.

He graduated from Oblong High School in 1983 and later earned a Telecommunications degree from Lincoln Trail College in 1999, where he was named to the Dean's List. He worked hard from an early age, starting as a teenager farming and working at the local IGA. His dedication carried him through the years at Victor Dana, bartending at The Hideout and Floyd's (where his Bloody Marys became a local legend), farming alongside Dee Waggoner, and working at Charles Industries. But his favorite role was his 12 years as a supervisor at Bay Safety Industries, where he truly enjoyed both the work and the people.

Gary was a man who loved the outdoors—whether he was hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, or even turtle hunting. He had a knack for spotting arrowheads and collected quite a few over the years. But it wasn't just about the adventure; he also cherished the simple things, like sitting around a campfire and sharing stories with the people he loved most. Gary was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, watching every season with equal parts hope and frustration. He had a passion for cooking and spent many hours in the kitchen perfecting his craft. His banana bread, oyster dressing, and deviled eggs were some of the family favorites. Though he never measured or wrote down a recipe, he always made it just right. He also had a deep love for music, especially classic rock, and was known to sing along with songs he knew by heart. He could hold his own in cards and was a perfectionist in nearly everything he did. Meticulous and structured, Gary believed there was a right way to do things—the Gary Miller way.

On January 3, 1987, he married the love of his life, Diana (Wampler) Miller and together they shared 38 years of marriage. Gary's legacy continues through his daughter, Samantha (Christopher) Wakefield of Marshall, IL, his son Jacob (Jessica Waggoner) Miller of Evansville, IN, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Jackson Wakefield, Declan Wakefield, Amelia Wakefield, Hudson Miller, and Rory Miller, who lovingly called him "PawPaw." He is also survived by his brother Mike Miller, Mother-in-law Beverly Cox, and several other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Betty E. (McCleave) Miller; his brother, Johnny Miller; by his paternal grandparents, Joseph "Joe Boy" and Maymie "Mamo" Miller; and by his maternal grandparents, Henry and Mildred McCleave.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19th, at the Crawford County Forest Preserve. Memorials may be made to "Transitions Hospice" and memorial envelopes will be available at the Forest Preserve. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements.