Raymond Albert Miller, formerly of Smyrna, Georgia, passed away after a short battle with lung cancer on Dec. 21, 2022, in Alexander City, Alabama. He was born to John W. Miller and Jessie Browning Miller on Oct. 21, 1931. He was 91 years old.
He was preceded in death by both his parents, along with his sister, Johnnie Mae Miller; brothers Burl E. Miller, Kenith H. Miller and Bobby G. Miller; his daughter Deborah L. Townley; daughter-in-law Janet K. Miller; son-in-law Lamar Pierce; his former wife Bobbie R Miller.
Raymond is survived by his son Dennis (Kathy) Miller, Mark (dec. Janet) Miller; daughter Vicki (dec. Lamar) Pierce; grandchildren Adam (Kathi) Pierce, David Miller, Stephen Miller, Jessica (Jason) Ward and Nichole (Ben) Rice. He leaves great-grandchildren Hannah Pierce, Maddie (Mason) Bass, Zach Pierce, Keidi, Vera and Haleigh Rice, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Ray, as he was known by his co-workers, spent over 30 years working for Lockheed in Marietta, Georgia, where he was instrumental in the construction and safety verifications of many different types of military aircraft. One of his most notable was certifying for flight worthiness the very first C5 to come off the production lines. These aircraft have made a difference in our military operations around the world. His love of aircraft stemmed from his time of service in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed for most of his time in the service at Lake Charles AFB in Louisiana and was active in the Korean Conflict.
After his career in the aeronautical industry was over, Ray spent his time traveling as often as possible. He made many driving trips out west where he enjoyed seeing in person the scenes he had read about in his love for Louis Lamour and Zane Grey novels. When not traveling, he enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Benevolence Fund at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, Alabama. He spent the last months of his life there and was helped tremendously by their caring staff. Checks should be mailed to:
Bill Nichols VA Home
1784 Elkahatchee Rd.
Alexander City, AL 35010
Please indicate Benevolence Fund in the For/Memo line of the check.
Visitation was held at the parlor of Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, from noon until 12:45 p.m., followed by a service in the Chapel of Frederick-Dean at 1 pm. Burial will follow at a later date in Altoona, Alabama, where his mother and father are interred.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Cremation handled the arrangements.