David Russell Miller, 74

January 13, 2024

David Russell Miller left the confines of this earth on January 13, 2024. He was born May 27, 1949, in Paxton, Illinois to Ivan R. (“Shorty”) and Vera L. Miller. From a very early age he demonstrated an eager, inquisitive mind and the ability to quickly grasp the workings of an object or idea and take it to the next level. He had a quiet and ‘out-of-the-box’ sense of humor that was demonstrated in his love for all things Snoopy (which led to a continual collection of gifts from those who knew him and items he obtained simply because they tickled him).

In 1964, the family moved to Chebanse, Illinois where he graduated from Clifton, Central High School in 1967. Following high school, he obtained training in Chicago, Illinois, enabling him to work as a surveyor for the Illinois Highway Department.

Dave served his country for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he formed lifelong friendships. While serving, his training was focused on calibrated electronics, specifically instruments for aircraft. 

Over the years, he channeled his expertise at positions with such companies as Mercury Marine in Orlando, Florida, later being part owner of a business machines dealer. He then worked in safety and facilities management for South Seminole Hospital, where he met his future wife, Maria Elisabeth (nee Adam) in 1991, whom he married January 1st 1995. They decided to leave the heat and humidity of Florida and moved to Amissville, Virginia in 1999. It was there that he worked for Micron (who built computer chips), and later Bingham & Taylor Foundry, and finally at Euro Composites who manufactures honeycomb core materials for aircraft. 

After moving to Virginia, his favorite hobby was modifying and enhancing a 1974 Pinzgauer, in which he would whisk Maria through and around the Shenandoah mountains of Virginia and West Virginia.  He retired in 2017 and continued to tinker and constantly read to learn about a variety of subjects. He traveled and made a point to visit family and friends from across the US. In late 2022, a surprise diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease changed everything. In September 2023, Dave and Maria moved to Pennsylvania to be close to family for additional support, where he and Maria were able to celebrate their 29th anniversary. 

Dave will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity and privilege to know him. He was preceded in his passing by grandparents, parents, and several aunts and uncles. He cherished and leaves behind his wife, Maria E. Miller of PA; daughter Amanda (husband James) Miller of GA; sister Susan Parish of Webb City, MO; brothers Larry Miller of Shelbyville, Illinois and Barry Miller of Birch Tree, MO; sister Becky Miller of Springfield, MO; stepsons Carl Maxwell, Vincent Maxwell (partner Alison Bernard), Jason Maxwell, and stepdaughter Kimberly (nee Maxwell, husband Daniel Lovelock). He was a proud grandfather to Miller, Edie, Sage, Gavin, Renee Ley, Emma, and Mila. He was proud to be the uncle of Melissa, Nancy, Lisa, & Russell. Dave also leaves behind other extended family, including his beloved Marine Corps brothers.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hero’s Bridge (https://herosbridge.org/), Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help), or your local Veterans Health Association (https://www.va.gov/health/).