Terry Ronald Miller

Terry Ronald (TR) Miller was born in Gunnison, Utah on October 30, 1952 as the first born child to Ronald and Mary Lou Miller. He was the oldest brother to two brothers (Danny and Robert) and three sisters (Sandy, Ronda and Shauna). His Father was serving in the Navy and was on a naval ship when he was born and wasn't able to meet Terry until he was 18 months old. In his younger years, his family would often travel to Manti, Utah to visit friends and family. As a result, Manti has always been a treasured location for our family.
He was raised in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School. Terry was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in the Florida South Mission. During his time there, he was featured in a news article, when he baptized a convert in the Atlantic Ocean. While on his mission, he was able to witness in person three NASA Apollo moon launches. These powerful and moving experiences solidified in him a love of NASA and modern technological advances. A fun fact from his mission is that all of the missionaries were invited to attend the first day that Disney World opened on October 1, 1971. Perhaps attending Disney World on opening day rooted a love for Disneyland and Disney World in the hearts of his children and grandchildren. His testimony of the Savior became a deep and abiding anchor to his soul during those two transformative years in Florida.
Working at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City, he met the love of his life, Nancy Coleby. His kind nature and unique sense of humor allowed him to secure a place in her heart. They were quickly engaged and married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 26, 1974. They settled in West Jordan, where they raised their four children: Ryan, Shari, Tami and Jeff. Countless camping trips were taken while their children were young exploring the great outdoors in Utah, including many National Parks and beautiful vistas found off the beaten path. While living in West Jordan they were blessed to create friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
Terry had an inquisitive mind and a curious nature. This led to a long and successful career spanning 37 years working for US Magnesium as an Information Technology Administrator. He was the go-to person that anyone and everyone would go to for help to repair or build a computer. He loved using his extensive computer skills to help those around him. He built and gifted some computers to a couple of his children when they were married. Terry constantly looked for opportunities to spread kindness and generosity. Throughout his life, Terry never let an opportunity go by to let his children and grandchildren know how much he loved them.
One of the defining attributes of Terry's character was a patriotic love for his country. A co-worker shared that Terry would often tell him that he was a "Great American". This same co-worker in extending his condolences shared with his family that Terry was in fact, a "Great American".
In 2001, a big pawed puppy was dropped off on our porch in West Jordan as a surprise birthday gift for Shari from a former boyfriend. This puppy was named Sage and quickly became one of Terry's best buddies in life. Sage's kind and loving spirit brought out the best in our Father. Together they went on countless car rides and Sage loved cuddling with Terry. When Sage passed away, Terry requested to have him cremated, so that his ashes could be buried with him. We are grateful to be able to grant this final wish to Terry.
One of the highlights of his life, was picking up his youngest son, Jeff from his mission in Curitiba, Brazil, and being able to meet people and explore so many beautiful sites in Curitiba. This trip included the captivating vistas at Iguaçu Falls and the unique geography found in Rio de Janeiro, which included a visit to the world-renowned Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue.
In October 2014, Terry and Nancy made the decision to sell their longtime home in West Jordan and spend their retirement years in the Sun River Community in St. George, Utah. At first, their children were not on board with this idea. However, this move has become a significant blessing, as each family has been able to spend countless extended weekends in St. George allowing his children and grandchildren to create memories to last a lifetime with their parents and grandparents.
The first couple of years in St. George, Terry and Nancy explored miles and miles of off-road trails with their newfound friends and family in their RZR. The grandchildren have especially cherished countless golf cart rides in St. George. While living in St. George, Terry and Nancy were blessed to go on a few Church History trips with some of Nancy's siblings. These trips were a capstone in his life and helped to solidify his lifelong testimony of the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ.
On August 26, 2024, Terry and Nancy were fortunate to celebrate their 50th Golden Anniversary surrounded by their children and grandchildren. This was a much anticipated and significant milestone in their marriage.
In his later years, Terry's life was burdened with numerous physical health challenges. Most recently, his ability to walk safely had become challenging. On Tuesday, November 26th he suffered a devastating and debilitating fall while visiting his family in Salt Lake for the Thanksgiving holiday. He spent his remaining days in the Shock Trauma ICU at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. As it quickly became known that his injuries were extensive and would significantly alter his life, the difficult and heartbreaking decision was made to extend mercy to him and take him off life support. He passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29th, surrounded by loved ones. He was released into the arms of the angels and other loved ones, anticipating his joyful return.
Our family wishes to thank the staff in the Shock Trauma ICU that made sure that Terry was comfortable and well taken care of. Our family was especially blessed with a wonderful nurse (Josh) that helped to make his transition from this life to the next as comfortable as possible for him and his loved ones.
As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Terry had a rich testimony of the Savior and a knowledge that this life isn't the end, that there are beautiful vistas to see and family connections to make just across the veil to the other side. Although sad to leave his family behind, he looked forward to the day that he would be reunited with his son, Ryan and so many other loved ones on the other side. We have no doubt that his reunion with his loved ones has been filled with immeasurable joy and love.
We look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Terry, freed from his physical challenges and further refined in character and spirit. This will be a blessed opportunity to share our mutual love and continue to work together to develop lasting and eternal relationships with Terry and all of our other loved ones that have preceded us.
Terry was preceded in death by his Father (Ronald), his Father-In-Law (Ernest), Mother-In-Law (Frances), Brother (Danny), Brother-In-Law (Orrin), and Son (Ryan). He is survived by his Mother (Mary), Wife (Nancy), Daughter (Shari Johnson, Spouse Corey), Daughter (Tami Harvey, Spouse Jason), Son (Jeff, Spouse Linsey) and his grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home at Larkin Sunset Gardens, located at 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT 84092.
A viewing will precede funeral services on Monday, December 9th from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 14242 South Loumis Parkway, Bluffdale, UT 84065.
Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held following the funeral services at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Those interested in attending a live broadcast of the funeral services virtually will be able to find a Zoom Meeting link on Larkin's website, located alongside Terry's obituary.