Robert Miller

Dr. Robert Miller, 77, retired dentist, died Dec. 3, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with a rare cancer, sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma. Bob was born on April 13, 1936, near Cromwell, Ky., in a log cabin built by his great grandfather. He was the eighth child of ten born to Urbin and Alma Simpson Miller. When Bob was 10 years old his family moved from Kentucky to a farm south of Searcy, in the Gum Springs community. Bob graduated from Searcy High School in 1956 and began his college studies that fall at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. The next year he transferred to the University of Arkansas and worked many jobs to pay his expenses through the next several years until he graduated in 1962 with a degree in geology. The next fall Bob, his wife Marge and young son Kenny moved to St. Louis where he was enrolled in the School of Dentistry at Washington University. He received his D.D.S. degree in 1966 and moved with his growing family back to Searcy where he practiced dentistry for the next 40 years. Bob felt fortunate to know some great people as patients and have a wonderful staff who helped him each day. After retiring at the end of 2006, Bob was able to devote more time to his many interests, especially working with wood, including making furniture and woodturning. He belonged to two woodworking clubs, where he enjoyed the companionship and friendship of other woodworkers. Bob was a faithful member of the morning coffee group at the Cookie Basket, and was a life member of the American Dental Association and the Lions Club. He was very pleased and gratified when he was recently selected to be inducted into the Searcy High School Hall of Honor. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Urbin and Alma Simpson Miller; two sisters, Nancy Patterson and Reda Gatlin; and two brothers, Myron Miller and Donald Miller. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marjorie; and four children, Ken Miller (Beth) of Ballwin, MisS.i, Patty Allison (John) of San Angelo, Texas, Rick Miller of Searcy, and Missy Wolfe (Kevin) of Montgomery, Ala. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren who loved their "Poppy" dearly (and the feeling was mutual): Katherine, Adam, Allie and Rose Miller, Sutton, Philip and Caroline Allison, and Zach, Ana Clare and Ian Wolfe. Surviving siblings include Martha Miller of Searcy, Marinella Haygood of Rosenberg, Texas, Namon Miller of Yorba Linda, Calif., Alice Terrill (Palmer) of Stillwater, Okla., and Frank Miller (Bonnie) of Carbondale, Colo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends who were precious to him. Bob was formerly a member of First Presbyterian Church and was presently a member of First United Methodist Church where he was an active member of the Murray Sunday School Class. A celebration of Dr. Bob Miller's life will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at 2 p.m. A formal service will be followed by a gathering in Yancey Hall (the fellowship hall) for refreshments, visiting, fellowship and an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share remembrances and stories. Dear friends Maxine and Carlon Southerland said it best with words that we were blessed to read to him the in hospital: "Best Dentist! Wonderful friend! Perfect Artist! A man that leaves a portion of his gentle spirit with everyone he meets." In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a charitable donation to the Good Samaritan Center, Jacob's Place Homeless Mission, the Searcy Animal Shelter, or another charity of your choosing. A memorial service will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Searcy. A reception will follow. Cremation arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.