Miller was born in Marysville and was raised in a small rural community on the Muskingum River in Lowell. He graduated from Fort Frye High School in Beverly. After graduation, Miller entered Ohio University in Athens, where he marched snare drum in the “110” and graduated in 1976.
Miller is married to Patty, whom he met when she was student teaching at Fredericktown. They have been married for 39 years. They are thankful to have been able to raise their two children, Shannon (Anthony) and Jonathan, in Fredericktown.
At the ripe old age of 21, Miller began a 30-year teaching career in Fredericktown in 1976; just in time for the Bicentennial Celebration in Fredericktown. He was hired to teach General Music and be Assistant Band Director. During his career in Fredericktown, Miller was honored and blessed to be named Fredericktown Teacher of the Year in 1982, 2001 Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator for North Central Ohio, and in 2006, Miller was thrilled to receive the Dale Peterson Freddie Fan of the Year Award. He enjoyed his time teaching in Fredericktown Schools, working with colleagues, students, and the best doggone boosters in the land.
Miller retired from teaching in 2006. Since his retirement, he has remained active in various ways in Fredericktown and Knox County. He worked as a staging and lighting technician for the Knox County Memorial Theater for three years, taught private lessons for guitar and drum set for five years and even did some long-term substitute teaching in Centerburg and Danville. Miller has been a member of the Lion’s Club for 26 years.
Now Miller keeps busy as a volunteer with Fredericktown Local Schools. He has kept the Fredericktown High School football practice and game fields lined for the past 14 seasons. Miller also volunteers to line the Willie Davis field whenever needed and still lines the band’s practice field. He even lines the bus parking slots every year at the bus garage. Miller volunteered to be the announcer at the Fredericktown High School Boys Varsity basketball games for the 2018-19 season and the FFA sponsored “Donkey Basketball Game” fundraiser. He is always glad to assist with sound and lighting needs for the school; helping staff with school musicals, plays, music programs, concerts, and the annual Varsity Show. Miller sets up and operates the sound system for various school events; such as, baccalaureate, commencement practice and senior awards, as well as invited speakers and guests for assemblies. In addition to the actual time the event involves, it takes many hours to set up and tear down each event.
Miller is a member of NewLife Community Church. He serves on the Worship Team, playing drums or bass guitar. He lends his voice to sing with the men’s quartet on occasion as well. Miller has helped with NewLife’s VBS - Wacky, Wild, Water Week, for 23 years. He also serves as the part-time caretaker/custodian of the NewLife Worship Center building and lines the soccer fields for GoalKeepers Soccer.
Miller says, “After marching in the Tomato Show Parade 30 times, I’m truly humbled and honored to receive an invitation from the Tomato Show Board to ‘ride.’” Miller encourages everyone to enjoy the 2019 Tomato Show. In keeping with recent tradition, the board likes to link the Tomato Show theme, parade marshal and limited plate auction together. The theme for the Fredericktown Tomato Show is “Strike up the Band!”
