Raymond "Ray" Miller

Raymond Allen Miller Obituary

Raymond “Ray” A. Miller began his heavenly life on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at Cleveland Clinic. Age 69. Born July 20, 1944 in Middletown, OH to Kenneth and Mabel (Siler) Miller. Survived by wife and fellow servant, Linda; cherished sons, Brett (Shelli) and Todd (Jennifer); amazing grandchildren, Ava, Reese, Luke, and Riley; Sisters, Sylvia (Gene) Hack and Glenna Jarvis; Brother, Douglas (Arlene); in-laws, Neal (Mary Ann) Martin, John (Lynn) Martin, Bruce (Pam) Martin, Jim Martin, and Carol (Roger) Inkrott; wonderful nieces and nephews; the family’s Thai exchange son, Udom Kiratinantapheecha (Sasicha), Bangkok, Thailand, and Joyjoy Jao; siblings in Christ, Bob Houston, Bob Joseph, Mark Snider, and Betsey Paster, Scioto Ridge Boys Gospel Quartet and Betsey; and blessings of friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Kenneth and Mabel; in-laws, Phyllis (Cotton) and Reland Martin; brother, Leonard (Ann Haude) ; sisters Ruthanna (Donald) Guckian and Kaye Veldine; in-law, Rebecca (Detwiler) Martin; nephew, Kendell Hack, Jr. and niece, Kay Veldine Guckian.

Graduate of Scioto Valley High School (1962), Ostrander, OH; The Ohio State University, BS in 1966, MS in 1968, PhD in 1976. LT in US Army, Chemical and Biological Officer at Ft. Bliss, TX, and Captain in Ohio National Guard.

Served as college counselor, taught Agricultural communication class, and in 1982 became Assistant Dean in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences(CFAES) at The Ohio State University. Ray received a tremendous feeling of satisfaction from watching his students develop, both in their profession and in life skills. Retired in 2004, but continued as Alumni Director for the college until 2013. Served as program director (part-time) Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) Program, Ohio Association of Police, Ohio Law Enforcement Foundation, Dublin, OH, 2004 to present.

Ray is an Alpha Zeta alumnus of the Townshend Chapter; during his undergraduate days at Ohio State, he served the chapter as treasurer and chancellor. On the Agriculture college campus, he served in many leadership positions including College Council, co-chair of the Recognition Banquet, and college orientation leader. Also he was chosen to be a member of Bucket and Dipper and Sphinx, national honoraries. Later during his professional career at OSU, he served Gamma Sigma Delta as an officer, becoming their permanent treasurer in 1998 to the present, and as an International officer and President 1988-90. In addition, Ray served as President of the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association where he was honored with their Professional Achievement Award in 1994 and Distinguished Service Award in 2003.

Ray was also involved in campus wide activities, serving Ohio Staters, Inc as a faculty member and their faculty treasurer for many years. In 2010, he chaired the Ohio Staters, Inc. 75th Anniversary Committee.

Some recognitions Ray has received at Ohio State include the Alfred J. Wright Award for University Outstanding Student Organization Advisor in 1984 and again in 1992, Faculty Football Coach of the Day on October 27, 1990 when Ohio State beat Minnesota, The Ohio State University Alumni Association Jo Failer Award for Student Service in 1992, Farm Science Review Hall of Fame in 2002, University Distinguished Service Award at commencement in 2005 by the Board of Trustees, E. Gordon Gee Spirit of Ohio State Award in 2010, and in 2013 the CDAES Alumni Society honored him with their Meritorious Service Award.

During April 2014, the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the Law Enforcement Foundation honored Ray with their President’s Award.

Ray remained active in his local community until his final days. He was active in his home church, Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church, Southside Gardening by Community Development for All People, and Head chef of “Uncle Ray’s Gourmet Peanut Brittle” to support mission work at Henderson Settlement in Kentucky. While his sons were students at Hilliard High School and Davidson High School, Ray served as president of the Athletic Boosters, published the Athletic Programs for sports events, and was a member of the Hilliard Education Foundation where he served as president.

Ray was especially blessed to be able to share God’s love through music with the Scioto Ridge Boys Gospel Quartet, which traveled from shore to shore of the state of Ohio, and occasionally crossed over into Indiana and Pennsylvania. They took the message of the Gospel in music to care facilities, churches, organizations, community parks and gazebos, state fairs, banquets, etc. Many of us will continue to be blessed by listening to their music!

Ray and his family are deeply indebted to the medical care he has received at a number of medical centers. He was served at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Matt Kalaycio MD, Dr. Yogen Saunthararajah MD and his research staff, and the staff at Tussig Cancer Center. In addition, they are so appreciative to the Columbus Oncology Center staff and Dr. Nse Ntukidem. Also Drs. Link Murphy and Kenneth Ecker at Arlington-Mill Run Internal Medicine continued to watch over his medical needs.

Calling hours are Tuesday, June 17, 2014 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Celebration of Life is Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 11am. Both events will take place at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church, 4343 Dublin Rd. Hilliard, OH 43026. In lieu of flowers, the Miller Family requests that those wishing to make contributions in Ray’s memory do so to Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church or The Ray A. and Linda S. Miller Alpha Zeta Partners Leadership Fund #644975 at The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Gifts can also be made online at www.giveto.osu.edu. Please use the following fund ID number: 644975 when searching the website.

Ray and his family have been so blessed by all of you who have crossed their paths in his lifetime and during this recent journey with CMML cancer. Your love and support has meant so much to us; we have read and reread each guestbook entry on his Caring Bridge site and greeting card you sent. Your prayers from around the United States and world have given us the strength to ask questions, answer questions, and continue to serve God on earth in many ways. So as the song goes, “May the Lord bless you and keep you, until we meet again.”