Mike Miller

Mike Miller, 74, lifelong resident of Stamford passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, January 25, 2014.
The family will receive visitors from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Tankersley Funeral Home, 807 S. Columbia, Stamford, Texas. The celebration service of Mike’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ericksdahl with Parish Lay Minister Don Heller officiating. Burial will follow at the Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lance Miller, Dennis Lyckman, Johnny Kieke, Danny Duggan, Bret Medford and Gary Bell.
Mike was born on July 14, 1939 to Jesse C. and Regina Miller. Mike was a 1957 graduate of Stamford High School. He married Margaret Nauert on May 3, 1958 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ericksdahl. Mike and Margaret were blessed with three sons Gary, Ricky and Dennis. Dennis preceded his dad in death as an infant.
Mike began his lifelong career in auto parts sales his senior year in high school working at Stamford Motor Parts, eventually becoming a partner. Following a short retirement after closing Stamford Motor Parts in 1995, he returned to work for Duggan’s Auto Supply where he was currently employed. Mike’s life was enriched by his association with his customers, he loved people. Mike served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, worked with the Stamford Art Foundation, coached Little League Baseball and was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.
Mike, affectionately known to his four grandchildren as “Poppy,” took great pride and interest in their lives. He was either at their special/sporting events or on the phone getting the scoop. Even from his hospital bed the past few weeks he continued to be involved in their lives via phone. Mike even gave in to wearing a tuxedo for his grandson’s wedding in place of his brand new suit. He devoted his life to taking care of his family and the chance to dote about his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include, his wife of 55 years, Margaret Miller, as well as his sons Gary and wife Jenny and Ricky and his wife Terri, all of Abilene; one grandson Lance Miller and wife Tiffany of San Antonio; three granddaughters, Lainey Miller of College Station, Kailea Williams of Dallas and Shelby Williams of Denton; one sister, Sue Gilbreath and husband Garland of Stamford; two brothers, Lanny Miller and wife Sandra of Abilene, and Andy Miller and wife Mary Nell of Artesia, NM; two brother-in-laws, David Gentry and wife Carla of El Paso and Dwain Nauert and wife Karen of Stamford; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Preceding Mike in death were his parents, and a son.