Captain Michael Gilpin Miller, Sr., 70, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, surrounded by his loved ones. Mike was born to his late parents, Albert “Bubby” and Molly Miller (Parker) on March 1, 1952 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Mike loved the outdoors and spent much of his time hunting, fishing, and watching sports, especially when his kids or grandkids were playing. He also loved singing, playing guitar, spending time with his family, and making people laugh. Mike was a great storyteller. He made stories come to life with his contagious laugh and larger-than-life personality.
Mike graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1970 as a 3 sport athlete. After high school he went to Texas A&M University Maritime Academy in Galveston, TX. Mike was the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1974, where he served in the Corps of Cadets while working toward a degree in Marine Transportation. Mike enjoyed his life on the water and worked up to his ultimate goal and childhood dream of becoming a Lake Charles Pilot. Mike piloted the Calcasieu River for 28 years, and during that time he had the pleasure of serving as the organization’s president. Mike was a member of many organizations, including: Krewe of Barataria, the Equestrian Club of Lake Charles, Barbe High School Athletic Booster Club, the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University, the Sea Aggie Former Student Network, the Ports of SW Louisiana Propeller Club, Council of American Master Mariners, and served on the Pilot Fee Commission of the Port of Lake Charles. Mike was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1984.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Joyce Husers Miller; daughter Lauryn Miller Drennan of Richmond, TX; son Michael Gilpin Miller, Jr. (Sherry Summers Miller) of Clear Lake, TX; son Ryan Albert Miller (Carra Smith Miller) of Corpus Christi, TX; grandchildren Miller James Drennan, Parker Ryan Drennan, Molly Mae Miller, Lilly Grace Miller, Robert Michael Miller; and brothers William Arthur Miller (Joyce Seale Miller) of Orange, TX and Jack Martin Miller (Pam Anderson Miller) of Lake Charles, LA. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews as well as numerous wonderful friends.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Albert “Bubby” and Molly Miller (Parker); stepfather, Marion Parker; son-in-law, Jim Drennan; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Maggie Husers; and his sister-in-law, Judith Anne Husers.
A Celebration of Mike's life will be held at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, LA on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Monsignor Daniel A. Torres, V.G. officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. led by Denis and Linda Husers. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery in Lake Charles.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JEHixson.com for the Miller family.
