Ralph William Miller, age 89, of the Elk Creek Community passed away on Thursday, Feb.20, 2025 at the Woltz Hospice House in Dobson, NC.  Mr. Miller was born on May 31, 1935, in Grayson County to William Freel and Lettie Ann Holbrook Miller.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Raymond Miller and two sisters, Hazel Umberger and Francis Boyer.

Mr. Miller will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father.  He was a member of the Independence Masonic Lodge.  He was also a dedicated member of the Elk Creek Fire Department.  For many years he was a faithful member of the Comer's Rock Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School Teacher and Deacon.  He retired from the Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Plant Pest Inspector.  He will be remembered as a talented craftsman skilled in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing work.  He designed and created cradles for his grandchildren and enjoyed creating novelty wood projects.  Mr. Miller nurtured a life-long love of dogs with two of his most special "fur companions" being "Leroy" and "Opie."   He enjoyed life and love to share a laugh with a good joke.  Mr. Miller lived a life of integrity devoted to his family and to his community.  His passing has left a void in the hearts of many.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sue B. Miller of the home; one daughter, Karen Hodges (Craig) of Siloam, NC; one son, William Miller (Kelly) of Damascus, VA; grandchildren, Troy Yates (Kaitlyn) of Jonesville, NC and Hayden Miller of Damascus, VA; special friends, Ralph and Joann Comer of Greenville, SC, Nell Sutherland of Elk Creek, VA, and Harry Smallwood; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services and Masonic Rites will be conducted on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with The Independence Masonic Lodge #129 and Pastor Doug Stuart and Bro. Ricky Edwards officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at the Forest Cemetery in Elk Creek.

The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Forest Cemetery Fund C/O Elsie Valko 11695 Elk Creek Parkway Elk Creek, VA 24326.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence is serving the Miller family.