Obituary

Obituary for Michael R. Miller (aka "Mike" or "Griz")
MILLER, Michael “Mike” R., age 72, of Dayton, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.

Mike, known as “Griz” at work, retired in 2006 after 35 years of service as a tree medic for Woody Tree Medics, a business operated out of Kettering specializing in tree trimming, removal, and treatment.

Independent, feisty, and caring, Mike was brave and courageous, often direct, and loved to tease family and friends for fun. Extremely hard working, he lived to work and had an impeccable work ethic. He was also passionate about NASCAR, with Dale Earnhart being his favorite driver. In his younger days, he enjoyed fishing and taught his son how to fish. Spending time with his parents, his wife, kids, and grandkids was something that Mike took pride in. When his parents were living, he spent nearly every Friday night playing cards with them and his aunt, Gail, who he considered more of a sister. Mike collected model cars that he put together and cassette tapes from his favorite genre of music, hits from the 80s. He owned a 1988 Corvette C4 that was reddish maroon in color, which he was always very proud of. Among many things, he will be remembered for being an incredible dad to his six children, some of which were technically stepchildren, but you’d never know because he treated them all the same.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, in 2016; his parents, Charles and Dori Miller; and his beloved aunt, Gail. He is survived by six children, Eric (Jess) Jenkins, Amy Emrick, Donny (Ashley) Jenkins, Jason Lockwood (fianceé Cassie), Rebecca Taylor, and Kelly (Christopher) Bretelson; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Brenda (Bill) Bell and Anna (Rick) Lyons; special cousin, Karen; and close friend and partner in crime, Jeff Werner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 14, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Burial will be in David’s Cemetery. Celebrant Brian Bennett will be officiating the services. The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. If desired, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.