Robert Miller was the father of Rev. Amanda Miller Garber.
Robert Lee “Bob” Miller, 82, of Vinton, Virginia, passed away on March 7, 2026. Bob was born July 21, 1943, in Eldorado, Illinois, to Eldon Lee Miller and Dorothy Pulliam Miller. He grew up in southern Illinois, where he spent much of his childhood helping his grandfather, Guy Robert Miller, on the family farm. Those early days outdoors shaped a lifelong love of nature that remained at the center of his life.
Bob’s greatest love story began long before adulthood. He met Karen White in the fourth grade, began dating her in the eighth grade, and together they built a life that spanned more than five decades of marriage. Their partnership was marked by deep devotion, steady support, and quiet joy. Bob was Karen’s constant strength, and the love they shared was the foundation of their family.
Bob earned a Master of Science in Education with a focus on outdoor education for individuals with disabilities. From 1970 to 1980, he served as Director of Camp Easter Seals in Virginia, where he helped shape the camp’s growth through numerous development projects and opened the outdoors to countless campers and families. He believed deeply that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature and the beauty of creation. Following his time at camp, he was self-employed in fundraising for many years.
After moving to Virginia, Bob fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the place he would proudly call home. He enjoyed gardening, especially tending his roses, and watching college football and basketball—particularly cheering on the University of Virginia.
Those who knew Bob will remember his quiet, quick, dry sense of humor and his independent spirit. He was a determined man of action who showed his love not through many words, but through steady presence, loyalty, and care for others.
Above all else, Bob loved his family. He shared abundant, unconditional love with his wife, daughters and grandchildren and treasured time spent together.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Amy Miller Frary and her husband, John Frary, of Roanoke, Virginia, and Amanda Miller Garber and her husband, Jack Garber, of Harrisonburg, Virginia; and his grandchildren, Sarah Grace Frary and her husband, Ayush Joshi; Ellen Jane Frary; Abigail Kate Garber; and John Robert Garber.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen White Miller; his parents, Eldon Lee and Dorothy Pulliam Miller; and his brothers, Larry Miller and Dale Miller.
Though his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort in imagining Bob reunited with Karen—once again by her side, surely making her laugh.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, 707 E. Washington Avenue, Vinton, Virginia. A graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery will follow. Afterward, family and friends are invited to gather for an ice cream and pie social in the Thrasher UMC Old Fellowship Hall, honoring Bob and his deep appreciation for great desserts.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Camp Easter Seals, online at https://www.eastersealsport.com/donate/ or by sending donations to Camp Easter Seals, 6711 Peters Creek Road, Suite 202, Hollins, Virginia 24019.
(Source: https://www.oakeys.com/obituaries/Robert-Lee-Bob-Miller?obId=47510374)