Melvin F. “Bud” Miller Jr.

Melvin Frank Miller, Jr., aged 85, passed away on November 17, 2024, in Na-ples, Florida. Born in the kitchen of his Columbus, Ohio, family’s home on September 18, 1939, Bud dedicated much of his life to serving his community and his faith.

Bud graduated from East High School, Columbus, Ohio, in 1959, where his claims to fame were striking out Jack Nicklaus and being a football teammate of Jim Marshall. After graduation, Bud served in the US Army Reserve with the 83rd Infantry Division for four years, a testament to his dedication and patriotism. Thanks to the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bud spent a couple of extra, unexpected years in the Army. Bud graduated from Capital University in 1968, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1972. In 1970, while at the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary (now known as Trinity Seminary), Bud was selected for and accepted to serve as the Intern Pastor for a newly established Lutheran congregation in Jasper, Alabama. Bud was also selected for the Karl F. Trost Award by the faculty for Outstanding Potential for the Ministry, an award bestowed upon the year’s most promising seminarian.

Professionally, Bud was deeply involved in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America), holding various pastoral positions in Ohio and Michigan including significant tenures at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Maumee, Ohio, from 1972-1985, and Faith Lutheran Church, Shelby Township, Michigan from 1992-2005. Just prior to and for many years after retirement, Bud ex-tended his service to numerous congregations in the areas of Detroit and Naples, emphasizing multicultural outreach and community support.

Bud was a devoted member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida, where his memorial service will be held on November 21st. His life's work in ministry reflected his profound faith and commitment to guiding others.

Bud was a lifelong Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He also eventually switched his allegiance from the Yankees to the Detroit Tigers sometime in the ‘70s. Bud enjoyed cheering for his Detroit Lions, particularly this past and current sea-sons.

Surviving Bud are his beloved wife of 37 years, Barbara Mercer Miller; his children, Daniel Miller and his wife, Janis; Marcia Wolford and her husband, Mark; Beth Miller and her spouse, Monica Gmitra; Elizabeth Berry and her husband, Michael; Ted Makäe and his wife, Jess. Bud thoroughly and proudly enjoyed being the grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 5. He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin F. Miller, Sr. and Mary C. Miller (Zultz), his brother Richard N. Miller, sister Louann Spaulding (Miller), and grandson Maxwell Wolford.

Viewing is at Hodges Memorial Funeral Home, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108 on November 20th from 4-6pm.

Funeral service is at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Morning Line Dr, Naples, FL 34102 at 1pm on November 21st.

Reception will follow upon conclusion of the funeral service, at The Carlisle, 6945 Carlisle Ct, Naples, FL 34109

Please, do not send fresh flowers or planters. The family requests that donations to organizations close to Bud and Barbara’s hearts and endeavors be made to:

Emmanuel Academies (Lutheran Seminary) to support students worldwide in their spiritual journeys. https://secure.myvanco.com/YK8C/campaign/C-YVSR

ELCA World Hunger to aid in reducing poverty and hunger globally. https://community.elca.org/elcaworldhunger

Avow Hospice, who provided comfort in his final days. https://www.classy.org/give/544918/#!/donation/checkout