Richard McDonald Miller

Richard McDonald Miller, PA-C, aged 64, passed away on October 22, 2017 at Wesley Long Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, after a long, courageous four-year battle with lung cancer. In true Rick fashion, he fought this battle until the very end.

The son of Colonel Richard Glenn Miller and Louise Vaughn Miller, Richard was born on September 23, 1953 in St. Charles, MO.

Raised an Army brat, he experienced life in numerous locations across the U.S. and abroad in Germany and Liberia, West Africa. Monrovia, Liberia was a place close to his heart, as it is where he met his best friend and loving wife of 40 years, T.K..

Rick was known for his gentle spirit and went out of his way to make sure everyone he encountered felt cared for and loved. He was kind and compassionate, with a very pragmatic view of the world. He was—and will always be—known as the voice of calm by his family and friends.

He attended the University of Wyoming and UNCG, where he majored in Medical Technology and Biology. Additionally, he earned an Associate of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Sciences from GTCC, and graduated from the Physician Assistant program at Bowman-Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. He was a member of the NC Association of Rescue Squads and held memberships with the American Academy of Physician Assistants and North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants. He was certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and held licensure with the NC Medical Board.

Rick began his career as an employee of Ciba-Geigy and later went on to work for Guilford County EMS from 1979 until 1993. During that time, he served as Lieutenant and Interim Captain, and also worked for the High Point Rescue Squad from 1981 until 1985. He continued his passion for medicine as a Physician Assistant with Guilford Emergency Physicians, Wake Forest Baptist Health Center, and Moses Cone Urgent Care, from 1993 until 2014. During his 21-year career as a PA, he worked at the Moses Cone, Wesley Long, High Point Med Center, and Annie Penn campuses. His medical career spanned an impressive 35 years.

Aside from practicing medicine, Rick was also a skilled carpenter, handyman extraordinaire, outdoorsman, and world traveler. A man with a great sense of humor, he was always the first to laugh at himself.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest sister, Lynda Arnold. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Passmore Miller (T.K.), daughters; Michaela Hubbard, Rebecca Cheshire, and Sophia Miller, and siblings; John Glenn Miller, CWO-4 US Army Retired (Louise), Michaela Vaughn Miller (Steve), and Gary Moffett Miller (Linda).

The family would like to thank Moses Cone Cancer Center, Dr. Mohamed Mohamed, nurses; Diane, Mary, Nikki, and Jackie-O, and the Wesley Long Hospital for their compassionate and excellent care.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel in the Lineberry Center, with a reception to follow. Memorials in memory of Rick Miller may be made to the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association.