David "Dave" Miller

1946 - 2024

David "Dave" Miller
David "Dave" Maurice Miller, 78, of Midland, MI passed away on May 29, 2024, after a 7-year battle with Pulmonary fibrosis. In 2016 he was air lifted from Jamaica to Ft. Lauderdale to be treated. Dave was born on February 20, 1946, to the late David M Sr. and Dorothy (Feenstra) Miller in Beeville, Texas and moved to Midland at a young age. He graduated from Midland High School and was drafted into the Army. Dave was honorably discharged after 18 months of training to be deployed to Vietnam. He always loved our flag and veterans.
Dave received a job at Dow Chemical drawing pipeline blueprints, that were known as works of art. Being stuck in an office with no windows didn't sit well with him. That is when he decided to be a Realtor. He loved the people, the freedom to make his own hours, and driving people around beautiful Midland. Dave belonged to many clubs and organizations during his career. He especially enjoyed the Exchange Club who recognized a policeman and fireman of the year and passed out small flags at the parades. He received many awards and recognitions for his professional and local organizations.
Dave enjoyed many things in life but those that stand out include freshly pressed clothes (with seams down the middle), NASCAR races, cruising in his boat Shamu, and spending time at the cottage. He loved attending Home Builder's meetings, eating breakfast at Shirleen's, watching James Bond movies, watching A Christmas Story and setting up the leg lamp for the holidays, spending time with his dogs Prince and Bella, and sitting down with friends in the garage tiki bar for a Captain and Diet or a cold Miller Lite. Of all the things Dave enjoyed in life, watching his grandchildren grow up as well as hanging out with his nephew Scott and his growing family were some of the most important things to him. Family was very important to Dave and some of his fondest times spent with them include cruising around car lots every Sunday and going on vacations.
Dave is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol; stepchildren, Amanda (Jarrad) Turner and Eric (Sara) Moore; grandchildren, Lorelei and Corbin Moore; nephews and nieces, Scott (Tracey) Miller, Jeff (Nancy) Patton, Jay (Mary) Patton, David (Amanda) Patton, Dottie (Paul) Bau and Jana (Scott) Forgach; sister, Katherine Filholm, brothers-in-law Brent (Chris) Patton and George (Carol Speltz) Patton; great nieces and great nephews, Evan, Rowan, Leo, Penny, Wes, Ben, Zach, Will, Vivi, Jarad, Joli, Simon, and Ivy; In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his brothers, John Miller, Denis Hickerson, and Richard Hickerson; father-in law, Phil Patton; mother-in-law, Georgie Patton; brother-in-law, Joe Patton.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Ware Smith Woolever, 1200 W Wheeler St., Midland, MI 48640. Family will greet guests from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday.
In leu of flowers, those wishing to give in Dave's name, may direct contributions to your favorite charity or to Daves Bike Fund in C/O Carol M Miller. For several years he collected funds and old bikes that Ray's Bike Shop would refurbish and then they were given to kids who didn't have one. Dave remembers the freedom he felt when he got a bike and wanted to pass that feeling on.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Miller family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at wswfh.com.