David Lee Miller

David Lee Miller, former Mayor of Wayland (1996-2002), went to be with his Lord Monday, October 21, 2024 at age 81. He was preceded in death by his parents Lee J. Miller (1917-1994) and Jane (Splane) Miller (1920-2006). David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Mary Catherine (Adamczyk) Miller; children Michael Miller and wife Jennifer (O’Gorman) Miller, Matthew Miller, and Rebecca Miller; grandchildren Haley Kamyszek and Darren Kamyszek; brother, Richard Miller; sisters Mary Jane (Roger) Merren and Betty Sue VanDyke; in-laws Arlene and Joe Jachim, Arnie and Margo Adamczyk, Kim (Rob) Adamczyk, and Tim and Deb Adamczyk; and many more extended family and friends.

David was a United States Army veteran (1964-1970) serving in Korea during the Vietnam War. He returned home to Wayland where he remained a lifelong resident, and served as owner and manager of the family grocery store, Harding’s Friendly Market, until retirement in 1992. He was dedicated to public service, serving on the Wayland City Council for nine years, six years on the planning commission, and three terms as mayor. His support for the veterans continued as a member of VFW Post 7581. During the middle of his life, Dave was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and, being the fighter he was, fought against the debilitating affliction during his remaining years, first with a cane, next with his celebrated scooter, which would get him to all his favorite places, and then his bed, where he resided for nearly two years.

In his early years, he read voraciously - mostly newspapers, espionage best-sellers, and Stephen King books. He also enjoyed classic films of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, especially the Western, with his heroes being John Wayne, Sam Peckinpah, Clint Eastwood, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, with some of their demeanor a part of his own. Dave also enjoyed sports and comedies; Seinfeld and Everybody Loves Raymond among his favorites. But he was known most for politics and current events and would give his informed opinion to anyone who asked (or didn’t) without censor. He also enjoyed traveling abroad on vacations, by cane or by scooter, to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and California. His famous advice was, “You better have a sense of humor.” By the way he wanted all to know he never used a computer or a cellphone. Dave surrendered his nearly forty-year battle with M.S. in the comforting care of hospice at his home, for the freedom from suffering, and to be in eternal peace.

“All fled—all done, so lift me on the pyre;

The feast is over and the lamps expire.”

(R. E. Howard)

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home (Dorr Chapel), 4330 18th St., Dorr, MI 49323. Service will be held Monday, November 4 at Kubiak-Cook (Dorr), with a visitation from 11 a.m., service at 12 p.m., and a luncheon 1 p.m. at KC Hall (Knights of Columbus) in Hilliards (Hopkins), 1896 135th Ave., Hopkins, MI 49328. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookdorr.com in Dave’s online guestbook. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the VFW Post 7581 (Wayland) or Corewell Health Hospice.