Robert Lee Miller

1931 - 2024

Robert (Bob) Lee Miller

March 28, 1931 - August 25, 2024

Sacramento, California - Robert (Bob) Lee Miller, a beloved Sacramento artist, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024, at the age of 93.

Bob was born in Modesto, California, to Pierce A. Miller, a prominent peach farmer, and Mae (Bomberger Swope) Miller, a dedicated teacher. While farming did not capture his interest, Bob discovered his love for art at an early age. With the support of his family, he pursued his passion, earning a bachelor's degree in art from San Jose State University. This marked the beginning of a highly successful career as a graphic artist, all the while developing his talent in the fine arts.

In 1955, Bob began his graphic design career in Sacramento as the first Art Director of KCRA Channel 3. He later worked for Fred Wade Advertising before founding his own graphic design business, Bob Miller Design, in the 1970s. Over his 50-year career in graphic design, he created iconic logos for prominent local businesses, including Crystal Creamery, River City Bank, and Blue Diamond Almonds, as well as many others that have become part of the fabric of Sacramento.

Bob was deeply involved in the Sacramento arts community. He served on the boards of the Crocker Art Museum and the Sacramento Discovery Museum, was a founding member and president of the Art Directors and Artists Club of Sacramento, and contributed to the Fred Wade Scholarship Committee of the Sacramento Ad Club. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored as Sacramento's Ad Man of the Year in 1980.

Bob was also a fine artist whose work was widely shown throughout the Sacramento art scene. Over the years, he worked in his light-filled home studio, creating watercolor and acrylic paintings. In his later years, he focused particularly on capturing Sacramento scenes such as The Alhambra Theater, Tower Theater, and the Tower Bridge. His whimsical drawings of "Wind-in-the-Willows" characters adorn the River Walk along the east side of the Sacramento River, south of the historic Tower Bridge. His mural depicting Sacramento pioneers graces the tunnel connecting Old Sacramento to the K Street Mall. Art was Bob's true passion, and he approached each day with enthusiasm, always inspired to create.

Bob led a life full of adventure with his wife of 75 years, Anita, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. Together, they traveled extensively throughout England, Europe, and Mexico. He is survived by Anita and their five children: Gayman Wong, Mike Miller (Linda), Dan Miller, Van Miller (Katherine), and Meredith Smith (Tim); six grandchildren: Chelsea, Holly, Andrew, Karen, Olivia, and Emma, and many lifelong friends. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The Miller family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the caregivers for their dedicated loving care and for making Bob's last days comfortable.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held later this year.