Mr. Bobie Dee Miller joined his heavenly father on October 24, 2020, after a lengthy illness. Bobie was greeted by loving wife, Jonell, mother, dad, sister, brother, and a host of friends, family, and angels in Heaven. Bobie was 91 years young and loved God, family, and his friends.
Bob was born at home in West Texas, near Slayton on April 5, 1929. His beloved parents, Ardis and Earnest Odell Miller were so proud to have their first born and a beloved son. His main responsibility was to learn about farming and ranching to help the family and as the oldest of four children was expected to set the example for doing chores, cooking, and taking care of the other children. If asked today, he would say that his mother Ardis Marie was an outstanding Christian role model and the best mama you could ever have. She doted on him with homemade biscuits and cornbread, but also taught him to be a charming, fun-loving, southern gentleman.
Bob was loved by many in Sundown and the Spring area. He cherished his church family, Whataburger friends, and woodworking friends. He also had the most loving neighbors who took such an interest when he and Jonell moved into their subdivision. Bob worshipped The Lord at Champion Forest Baptist Church and attended life group. For 50 years, Bobie was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a faithful Christian who was committed to serving as a deacon to his church family.
His "Whataburger-friends and family" gave him a huge 90th birthday party where he made national news. He was extremely surprised and almost at a loss of words when the camera rolled as he entered Whataburger. If you knew Bobie he was rarely at a loss for words, but he was that day. He was teased about giving his autograph after making such a splash in the news.
Living on Calderwood Dr. with the perfect set of friends, after moving from Sundown, TX, was quite the transition for him but for the good. It was great to leave the dustbowl behind and retire. Neighbors often delivered goodies to him, sat with him to watch sports, comforted him when Jonell passed, and visited on the back porch. Oh, lest we forget everyone knew how much Bobie loved "Molly B". She was his guard dog from the squirrels, bed fellow, lap dog, and faithful companion. He was so proud of her and spent many hours with his precious little dog.
Bobie married the love of his life, Jonell Graves Miller, on September 6, 1947 in Clovis, New Mexico. They eloped and returned to Idalou, TX to begin their lives together in farming and ranching. They grew up together and had many fond memories that endeared them even more to each other. Bobie always treated Jonell like a princess and she would say he was her prince charming.
If you knew Bobie, his life was always built around his family. His firstborn, Bobie Wayne in 1951 brought great joy to him to have a talented, Christian church leader as his son. Then, in 1954, his daughter, Barbara came as a big surprise one night after thinking Jonell would be delivering in a few weeks, so the doctor told them. However, Barbara always liked to surprise her parents. Bob was a loving father, and taught Bobie and Barbara his work ethic, sense of humor, and love for The Lord.
His greatest joy was anticipating what God had planned for their children. Bob faithfully prayed for his kids to know the Lord as their Savior and lived to know what God unfolded for them. Bobie was called to the ministry of music and worship and has been serving for 50 years with his dedicated wife, Kathy. Barbara started as a schoolteacher, principal and currently as an educational consultant and married Tom Leeland, mom's favorite son-in-law, and her only one.
Bob would say they retired to be close to their children, which was true! But clearly the drawing card to move to Houston was their grandchild, Austin Miller Leland. He was and always has been the "apple of Bob's eye". Pop would take Austin fishing, for long wagon rides, and go watch him in everything he participated in school. He taught Austin to whittle, garden, tried woodworking, and was a tremendous Christian influence in his life as well as the best Pop ever. Austin grew up and is a teacher, but he also added to our family when he married Kaylyn Rea Leland in 2018 and Pop loved to tease her.
Bobie Dee Miller was preceded in death by his wife, Jonell, his brother, Ken Miller, and his sister, Jodie McGee.
Other members of his loving family are: Pat Balentine - sister, who married Herb Balentine; Herman Bruce Graves - brother-in-law and his wife Ollie Mae, Kenneth Mack Graves - brother-in-law and his wife, Sherry, and a host of nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Donnie Bennet, a beloved nephew, has always had a special place in his heart.
His friendships were endless, but just to name a few were : "The Whataburger Bunch", Lois Williamson, Kay and Bill West, precious neighbors, Champion Forest Baptist Life Group, and Spring Baptist friends. An incredibly special thanks to the Godly Hospice Staff from Bristol Aim, Wilbur and Betis Rodas, Kenneth and Lidia Henderson, who are extended members of the family.
Bobie Dee Miller has a temporary resting place in Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery, but his final resting place is with The Lord Jesus Christ, his parents, and friends in Glory who are rejoicing with him.
God invites each of us to be part of his family. We love you precious "daddy" and "Pop". We are going to be joining you soon!
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