Lloyd Miller Obituary
Lloyd Miller of Alvin, Texas, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, April 5, 2010 at the age of 87. Lloyd was born at home in Elkhart, Texas on February 25, 1923. He attended school in Elkhart, played on the High School football team, and graduated in 1944. He continued to attend high school sporting events as long as he was physically able.
The year following graduation, Lloyd enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines where he worked in the mess hall. On the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, his ship was stationed in Naples Harbor, Italy. Lloyd had many stories to tell from his brief maritime commitment: surviving typhoons in Okinawa, passing through the Panama Canal and seeing “Christ for the Nations” statue in Rio de Janeiro were some of the stories that he delighted to tell. Lloyd completed his service to his country having earned the rank of Seaman.
Shortly thereafter, Lloyd stayed with his sister, Marie Chapman in the Denver Harbor area of Houston while beginning work at Sheffield Steel. Lloyd married Jewel Evans on October 3, 1956; in 1957, they welcomed daughter Sheila and settled in Sheldon, Texas in 1959.
Lloyd was very much a “people” person and is remembered as a practical joker by his family and friends. He enjoyed playing dominoes, played volleyball on his church league, was a diehard football fan, loved bluegrass music and the old gospel hymns.
Lloyd had a deep trust and faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior; participated in Sunday school classes, served as Deacon and was later chairman of deacons in the First Baptist Church of Sheldon, Texas.
Lloyd and Jewel (also known as Papa and Mama Miller) had an “open door policy” at their house. From his mother-in-law, Tilda Evans, to nephews Jim and Randy Reid, to other friends who just needed a place to stay for a while, they all were greeted with “Come on in!” and “If you aren’t at home here, you ought a be!” Lloyd was quick to offer help to any and all in their community who had a need.
Lloyd enjoyed and appreciated the outdoors and was an avid hunter from his youth until 2008. Lloyd retired from now Armco Steel in 1982, but certainly never sat idle. Moving back to Elkhart was a dream come true for Lloyd and he became active at First Baptist Church Elkhart, participated in the Men’s Sunday school class, and was a regular participant in the church’s Monday Night Game Night.
March 1997, Lloyd lost the light of his heart when Jewel was called Home. He had a brief marriage with Gladys McRay and had the privilege of sharing the joy and love of her new grandson. The mere mention of Kevin’s name would bring a gleam to Lloyd’s eyes and a smile would erupt across his face.
As his health began to decline, he moved to Alvin with his daughter Sheila in October of 2008. He loved to hear her play piano at church, and referred to her fellow teachers as “The Lovely Ladies” – and the name stuck. He was never in need of a hug so long as “Dad’s girls” were around.
Lloyd has left a legacy of love and appreciation of the wonder of God’s nature. His gentle soul will be remembered even as he was loved.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel Mavis Evans Miller; his sisters, Mattie Miller, Martha Miller Reid, and Marie Miller Chapman; and his brothers George Miller and Denison (Denny) Miller.
Lloyd is survived by his daughter, Sheila Miller Hernandez of Alvin, Texas; his brother, Leland Miller of Highlands, Texas; his sister, Mildred Miller Starr of Mullen, Nebraska; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A visitation was held Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, TX 77546.
The memorial services were held Friday, April 9, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 611 W. South St., Alvin, TX 77511. A burial will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas.
Condolences can be sent to the Miller Family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements under the direction of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home.