Linda Gray Miller

73, of Belleair Bluffs, FL completed her earthly journey peacefully at home 6 February 2018 with her husband and caregiver at her side.

She was born in Roanoke, Virginia in 1944 to Elizabeth Green Rivers (mother) and Dwight Gray Rivers (father), a WW-II veteran and agronomist.

Gray attended Blacksburg High School (VA) for her senior year, later attending VA Tech for her BS in Human Nutrition & Foods. She subsequently performed graduate studies at Cornel University (NY) then returned to VA Tech for her MS in Human Nutrition & Foods. Her Master’s Thesis was in diabetes research.

In 1969 she married Willard H. (Will) Miller, Jr. in the VA Tech Chapel, and a month later watched him depart for year in the Vietnam War as a newly commissioned Ensign on a US Navy destroyer. Their first child, David, was born upon Will’s return. Just a few months later, Gray was again on her own as her husband began his second 12-month Vietnam deployment, ashore.

After Will finally returned from Vietnam, the couple moved to Will’s hometown of Hampton, Virginia where they raised David, and later his new sister, Beth. After mothering the children to school-age, Gray entered the workforce in 1978 as the Cafeteria Manger at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. In this position, she once had the honor of making lunch for guest speaker & actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was then married to VA Senator John Warner. (Liz was on a diet that day and didn’t eat much!)

In 1981 Gray became the Assistant Supervisor, School Food Service for Newport News, VA Public Schools where she oversaw a $4M budget.

Returning to her home-turf in Hampton, Gray became Assistant Director, School Food Services in 1984 for Hampton City Schools where she was the Purchasing Agent for 33 public schools, serving 12,500 lunches and 2,000 breakfasts daily.

In 1989, she received an A.A.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institute Mgt. from Thomas Nelson Community College in Newport News, VA.

Gray was the Past President of the Virginia School Food Service Association representing school food service professionals throughout the state of Virginia.

Gray accepted a position in 1990 with the Virginia Department of Education in Richmond, VA as a Specialist, School Nutrition Programs where she managed Severe Need Breakfast Programs, oversaw Grants, reviews, and financial reporting data. She provided guidance on USDA regulations to school districts throughout the state of Virginia, and trained state and local division staff. Gray drove 400 miles (round-trip) daily from her home in Hampton to her work in the state capitol city of Richmond, Virginia, generally a 12 to 14-hour day.

1n 1995 Gray took a job in Largo, Florida as Assistant Director, School Food Service and later as Director where she supported 140 Pinellas County public schools’ Federal School Lunch Programs. She became a Master Trainer for the District for Culinary Techniques for Healthy School Meals and received many national awards for innovation & improving the quality of school lunch throughout the county. She managed a large professional staff and a $30M budget.

Gray retired from serving Pinellas County Schools in March 2011 after 11 years of service. In retirement she enjoyed voluminous reading, supporting her granddaughter, Kayla, with her dance competitions, and periodic visits to her three other grandchildren, Michael, Marie, and Marc (a new Marine like his dad, David). She also delighted in visiting her dear friends, Ray & Dee Ford in nearby New Port Richie, FL.

In retirement, Gray also supported Will’s rise up the ranks in Rotary International’s local District 6950 to his final position as a District Governor. She accompanied him on almost all of his visits to 47 Clubs in the 4-county Rotary District, where she was welcomed and loved. She was an Honorary Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Largo, Florida, and helped them in their annual signature fundraiser: “Death by Chocolate.”

Gray never focused on her own significant accomplishments, but was truly and completely a selfless soul, and focused on love for her family throughout her life. She absolutely embodied the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self”.

She will be missed by her family, friends & associates in many states, and members of her “Rotary Family.”

She is survived by her husband of 49 years (Will – Belleair Bluffs, FL), a younger brother (Mark – Zellwood, FL), a son (David Miller - Nottingham, PA), a daughter (Beth Feeney – Odessa, FL), and four grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: “The ALS Association Florida Chapter, Inc.”, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, FL 33619. No service is planned.