Ray Arthur Miller

Ray Arthur Miller 1929-2022
Ray passed away on Friday October 28, 2022 at the age of 92 after a brief illness in Santee, CA. Ray was born November 12, 1929 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Milton Leslie Miller and Elmira (Agnes) Risher Miller. He was one of six children. He grew up along the banks of the Mongohaila River in the Pittsburg steel region. He graduated from McKeesport Technical High School in 1947. In 1948, he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he learned telecommunications and discovered his love for basketball. During his service he played on several base teams and even competed in the states side tournament advancing to the semifinals. After being discharged in 1952 while in Fairfield, Alaska he and three of his buddies braved the drive home to McKeesport during the middle of winter. After a short stay in McKeesport, PA he went west again and ended up in Prospect, OR. Not finding full time work there, he ventured south along the coast looking for work. Finally, in Eureka, CA he was hired by Sy Beattie, at his sign shop. Thus began his 33-year adventure in Humboldt County. He eventually worked for Pacific Telephone Company until his retirement in 1985. He also pursued playing the game he loved in the local recreational basket leagues and in any gym that was open on the weekends. He made many lifelong friends playing ball with his pals ‘the gym rats’. They could get into any closed/locked gym in the area. After divorcing in 1958, he would eventually meet Minnie Hazel (Rogers). They married in 1962. Along with Minnie came the Smith and Rogers families that he deeply loved. Minnie and Ray were married for 54 years until her passing in 2016. They enjoyed water skiing and frequented Trinity Lake where they purchased a cabin in Trinity Center, CA. He and Minnie moved to San Diego, CA to be closer to Minnie’s son and enjoy the warmer weather. They enjoyed many adventures such as traveling (including a lifetime trip to Italy) and volunteering in the Church. Ray continued to play ball into his early 80s. He was a lifelong member of the Elk’s Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Milton and Elmira Miller, wife: Minnie Miller, brothers: Jack Miller, Bob Miller and Dan (Rose) Miller, and brother-in-law Doug Patterson. He is survived by sister Mary Lou Miller, brother Harry (Barbara) Miller, his children: Ray (Jackie) Miller, Bill Leslie Cole-Miller, stepson Felix (Marleen) Rogers, his grandchildren: Kari Rae Miller, Alicia Jane (Chris) Connell, Deborah (Bob) Lavin, Rich (Deanne) Rogers, his great grandchildren: Bow, Olycée, D’Jah SaintLouis, Jackson and Lochlann Connell, Justin (Erin) Lavin, Reese and Riley Rogers, his great great grandchildren: Vivian, Rowan, and Eve Lavin, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and his dear friend late in life Marilyn Borges. He loved and was dearly loved by all of his extended family.

Celebration of Life—Events
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Viewing 5:30pm-6:30 pm
Vigil 6:30 pm
Rosery 7:00 pm
Location: Featheringill  Mortuary
El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA
Monday, November 7, 2022
Service starts at 11:00
Location: St. Louise De Marillac Church
Crest Dr El Cajon, CA
Graveside Service
Directly Following service
Location: Holy Cross Cemetery
Hilltop Dr. San Diego, CA
Remembrance Reception approximately 3:00 pm
Location: Lantern Crest
800 Lantern Crest Way Santee, CA

In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family invites memorial donations to Father Joe’s Village,
3350 E St. San Diego, CA 92101.