Donald Lee Miller, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, died July 13 after living life on his own terms for 87 years.  He died at his Strasburg home in the care of his Nurse Ratchet, Kitty, as was his wish.  Born Dec. 3, 1934, he was the third youngest child of 12 born to Lester Leonard Miller Sr. and Nellie Legg Miller.

Educated in the Strasburg schools, graduating in 1953, Donald was a stellar athlete and continued his love of sports and personal physical fitness well into his 80's.  During his high school athletic career, beginning in 8th grade, he lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track and field.  It was said that he was the best breakaway runner to ever come out of Strasburg High School.  In track and field state competition he was awarded first in 100-yard dash and second in the 200.

Continuing his lifelong interest in athletics at Strasburg High School he was the charter president of the Rams Athletic Association in the late 60's and was instrumental in securing well known athletes to the RAA awards banquet.  Most notable being Redskins standout Chris Hanburger as a speaker at one of the first banquets.

A veteran, he served in both the US Army from 1953 until 1956 and the US Air Force   from 1957 until 1961.  For many years he was active with the local American Legion Post 77 and Strasburg Moose Lodge 403 where he held several offices.

Following a career in several financial institutions beginning with the management of small loan offices in the 60's he entered the commercial lending and collections field at C and S Bank in Winchester, moving on to First National Bank in Strasburg, retiring from that institution in 1997.   He continued to do real estate evaluations for First Bank for some years.

An inveterate learner, he took many classes in commercial lending and banking practices.  He also held a real-estate license and a license as an insurance agent.

A lover of words and puzzles, he continued to do the daily Sudoku and crossword puzzles until the last few months of his life.

Donald is survived by his wife, Kitty Morris Miller, three sons, Roger (Missy) Richard (Lisa) and Christopher (Christy) and his six adored grandchildren, Jacob, Robert, Maggie, Andrew, Alexandra (Ali)  and Isadora (Izzi).  He is also survived by three siblings, Lester Miller Jr, Betty Clem and Larry Miller and a host of nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by his parents and 8 siblings.

A lifelong Lutheran, he was baptized and confirmed as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where a memorial service will be held on Thursday July 21 at 11:00 am.  Pastors William H. Hall and Rev. Sonya Williams-Giersch will lead worship.  The family will greet friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be sons of his childhood friends Bobby Boyer, Romano and Barry Bergey, Nick Racey and Kevin Smith.

Everlasting gratitude is expressed to the staff of Blue Ridge Hospice and especially his nurse, Jeanna Miller, who was more than a medical professional.  She became family.

In lieu of flowers, and in celebration of his life, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 193 W. Washington Street, Strasburg, VA  22657, The Jesse A. Bolstridge #55 Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Shenandoah Community Foundation, PO Box 350, Strasburg VA  22657 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street. Ste. 405, Winchester, VA 22605.

You may sign the guestbook and submit condolences to the family at www.stoverfuneralhome.com.

Stover Funeral Home & Crematory, Strasburg, VA is serving the family of Donald L. Miller.