Emlyn Merle Miller

An extraordinary man passed away today, Monday, September 2nd, 2019, Emlyn Merle Miller, at the age of 89.No, he was not an astronaut, scientist, nor did he invent something special. No, he was not famous except to our family; however, Emlyn was a Master Toastmaster and loved to entertain with a great rendition of “Casey at the Bat.” Mr. Miller was born at home in Justus, PA on February 11, 1930. He graduated high school in 1948 from Scott Township High School and was Valedictorian of his class. He then attended Strasberg Teachers College for 2 years, on track to become a teacher and a coach. He was tested among his peers across the United States, and his score qualified him for the GI Bill on scholarship to attend Penn State College. He graduated Penn State in 1952 with a degree in Commerce and went on to a 25-year career in sales with IBM, also earning a master’s degree in Business Administration from SMU. From 1952 – 1956, he served in the United States Navy as a gunnery officer, Lt. Junior Grade, toward the end of the Korean War on the destroyer USS Jarvis and reserves until 1961.On November 7, 1953 he married, Anita Sue Antoine and together they raised 4 children. After moving to Forney in the early seventies, he established his home and La Vida Nuevo Ranch raising cattle and horses. Emlyn was an accomplished athlete, and particularly loved basketball, also taught many how to water ski and snow ski, and skied both on water and snow into his 70’s. He was an avid Jackrabbit fan and encourager of young athletes rarely missing a game in Forney. You could always find him on the sidelines in his black and gold cowboy hat. He served his community as a school board member, athletic booster, Forney Historical Society board member, and Kaufman County Environmental Co-Op board member. He was also involved in his church, First United Methodist in Forney, teaching Adult Sunday School for many years. Emlyn was a humble man, ever the teacher, coach and encourager. He would tell you his greatest accomplishment was his family; he was so proud of his kids. His greatest gift to us was leading each of us to Jesus. He never missed an opportunity to share the gospel with whomever he met. Preceded in death by his parents Marion and Merle Miller, Justus, PA and his wife of 60 years, Anita Antoine Miller. Emlyn is survived by his sister Joan Boezi of Dunmore, PA, and his children, Randie Skinner and her husband Terry of Fairfield, TX, Mark Miller of Forney, TX,Belinda Cates and her husband John of Dallas, TX and Shane Miller of Forney, TX, 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Yes, an extraordinary man went to be with his Lord and Savior today. He was our Daddy. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40:31