Richard Christian Miller, Jr. died on November 19, 2025, after a short but cruel battle with cancer.  He fought with faith and valor.  Listening to hymns that Richard loved, his loving family was with him.  His leaving left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and others whose lives he touched.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Chris Norcross officiating.

Richard was born on June 3, 1952, to Richard and Elizabeth Miller in Vernon, TX, where he spent most of his life.   He graduated from Vernon High School in 1970.  He attended Texas A&M before entering the construction business for 20 years.  Then while raising his family, he went to Vernon College where he received an Associate's Degree in nursing and became an RN.  He worked as a nurse in Vernon until 2007 when he retired because of health concerns.

When Richard became a believer in Jesus Christ, his faith became the core of his life and shaped all that he did.  He saw the world through the Bible's teachings and was always ready to speak to others about Jesus and encourage their faith journey.  His faith was an inspiration.

Richard had many passions and interests, and he devoted himself to becoming a master of each.  His love of music was a thread throughout his entire life.  He learned to play the guitar while he was in elementary school, played the trumpet in the VHS band, and played with rock and roll bands in the area.  He had a superabundant collection of music and could share stories and history of the musical artists as if he had been their friend.    Being a voracious reader and having a special interest in historical battles, especially of the Civil War, he was well versed in military strategy, war heroes, and political ideologies through history.  He seldom forgot details that he read.  He skillfully applied his knowledge to current events, which he followed closely, and would often correctly predict future world events.  He learned to play chess early in life, and there were few people who were able to checkmate him.

Perhaps his greater passion was baseball.  Being an avid fan for life, he understood the complexities of the game.  As a young adult he played softball for many years and made friends with fellow players from different leagues who knew him to be a formidable competitor.  Richard coached his son's baseball teams for many years. Through his coaching, he influenced many youngsters in baseball skills, taught them how to play the game with honor, and instilled values for living life with honor.   When his daughter began her pursuit in athletics, he reinforced those same values.  Richard was a constant presence and support for his son and daughter in their activities as they grew to be adults.  Throughout his entire life, he enjoyed the game of baseball, and his favorite time of the year was when spring training began in March until the end of October after the World Series.  The Texas Rangers never lost his steadfast support.

Richard was a dog lover who always had a canine companion.  His days were often marked by long walks, shared treats, and quiet moments of companionship that spoke louder than words. To him, dogs were not just animals—they were trusted friends, sources of joy, and reminders of unconditional love.

Richard's greatest love was for his children.  He celebrated their strengths and guided them through their struggles.  He created a loving home filled with encouragement, laughter, and unwavering support.  To him being their dad was a privilege and a lifetime devotion.

In the last years of his life, Richard became wheelchair bound; but he adapted to life and became a familiar sight on the streets of Vernon when he would use his electric wheelchair to walk his dog, Molly. He chatted with folks along the way and made new friends.  He often prayed for them. Those trips through the streets of Vernon that he knew so well brought him happiness and pleasure.

Richard is survived and missed by his son, William Christian Miller; his daughter, Maggie Miller; his beloved dog, Molly; his sister, Linda Goodgion; his grandson, William Christian Miller, Jr.; his dear friends, Donnie and Nancy Coble; his niece Amy Coates and husband, Craven; niece Beth Warren and Jenny Taylor; and nephew Bryan Goodgion and wife Lindsey.

Richard was a gentle, unassuming man with a sly sense of humor.  Those who knew Richard will remember him for his humor and expressive hand gestures, his faith in Jesus, and his kindness to others.  His gift for making others smile left an impact on all who knew him.