L. J. Miller

L. J. Miller, Sr., 94, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at home under hospice care in Rio Vista, CA. He was born in Coldwater, Alabama February 28, 1923 and raised in Anniston, Alabama. L. J. Miller was the fourth of thirteen children of James and Maude Miller. He was married to Mary Preston Sadie Mentor Miller for 62 years before she passed away in 2007. L. J. and Mary settled in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1945 before moving to California in 1955. He was a long time resident of Salinas, CA since where he lived with his family for more than fifty years.
He leaves five children to cherish his memory: his daughter Esther "Lou Lou" Falcon and her husband Victor Falcon of Mission, TX; his son, L. J. Miller, Jr. of Stockton, CA; his daughter, Catherine Lindsey of Palmdale, CA his daughter, Mary Hawkins of Vallejo, CA and eldest daughter Harriet Betty Garner and her husband Charles Garner of Rio Vista, CA. He leaves nine grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. L. J. Miller is survived by two brothers: James Miller of Detroit, Michigan and AB Miller of Killeen, Texas and three sisters: Catherine Coleman of Detroit, Michigan, Selphine Rawls of Kileen, Texas, Jessie Mae Curry of Detroit, Michigan as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
In his early years, Mr. Miller enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in China, Burma, India and Korea. He is the proud recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and a World War II Victory Medal. In 1955, after L. J. was honorably discharged from the United States Army as a Sergeant, he worked for Greyhound Bus Lines for 18 years (and never missed one day of work). Mr. Miller was a productive member of his community working as self-employed landscaper for many years following his retirement. He is loved for his dedication to a strong work ethic and his affection for his family. He had a passion for animals and enjoyed his many friends from near and far.
L. J. was very special to a lot of people. He had a love of life and a sense of humor that warmed the hearts of everyone who knew him. He was an unforgettable person who has left all who loved him with warm and happy memories.