John Richard "Rick" Miller

John Richard "Rick" Miller, (76), passed away on August 15th in the comfort of his wife of 56 years by his side. The son of John A. and Nadine R. (Grimes) Miller.
Rick started his law enforcement career in the Army (1968) as a Sergeant MP stationed in S. Korea. Following his military service, he joined the Federal Bureau of ATF as a Special Agent, 1st in Portsmouth, Ohio and then in Cincinnati where he specialized and excelled in Arson & Explosives Investigation. His contribution and dedication in his field made such a profound impact on the community that Cincinnati Mayor Charles Lunken officially dedicated July 7, 1990 as "J. Richard Miller Day."
He was a leader in the advancement of Fire Science Investigation, an active member of ATF's National Response Team (10+ years) and a Project Officer in the Arson and Explosives Program Division (Washington, DC) where he developed ATF's Certified Fire Investigators Program and trained many law enforcement and fire officials in the United States and abroad, in both Australia and Germany. Rick retired in 1998 after serving as the Supervisor in Charge at the Louisville ATF Field Division since 1994.
His retirement was spent playing with his grandkids and furkids, and pursuing his many hobbies such as wood carving and fishing. Rick was a strong Christian and a dedicated family man who loved his country.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; and sisters, Roxanne and Mary Jean.
Left to cherish his memory, humor, and quick wit are his wife, Donna (Cleaver) Miller; sons, John "Rick" (Charlotte) and Eric (Amanda). Seven grandchildren: Caleb, Chase, Creek, Gabriele Vasquez (Johnathan), Sophia, Sicily, and Piper. Great-granddaughters, Ruby and Lacey Vasquez. A sister, Janet Washburn; brothers, Wayne and Scott Miller; and sister-in-law, Denise Cleaver (Karen); and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
We extend our deepest appreciation for the kindness and help through his difficult journey by his doctors, nurses, medical staff, "PT and OT" at Baptist Health and Home Services.
Visitation will be 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday, August 25th at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, with his funeral service at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 26th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church,1960 Bardstown Road, with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.
Donations in his honor may be made to T2T, WW Proj, St. Jude or Hospice of Louisville.