Eugene Miller Sr. was born on February 11, 1939, to Charlotte Houchins and Leroy Miller. He was the only child of their union. His early life began in the small mountain community of Greenwood, West Virginia. His formative years were centered around the coal mining towns of Mount Hope and Beckley, WV. Eugene’s ingenuity and country values helped mold him into an independent and resourceful young man.

Eugene moved to Cleveland, OH, during his high school years. He spent time in the care of his paternal uncle, Calvin Miller, and his maternal aunt, Elizabeth (Houchins) Miller. Eugene attended Cleveland Public Schools’ East Technical High School. There he met and fell in love with Joyce Louise Clark. The two graduated from East Tech in 1957. Eugene and Joyce married on March 24, 1962. They enjoyed a loving partnership and marriage of 50 years. Joyce and “Gene” had 4 children: Christina Leigh Miller, Eugene Miller Jr. (Brenda), Alisha M. Jones (Cordell), and Yvette Miller-Dey. Eugene enlisted in the U.S. Army post graduation. He was a proud Army veteran and served his country during tumultuous times between the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was honorably and safely discharged into civilian and family life.

Gene was the quintessential husband, father, and friend. He took great care of his wife, Joyce, truly through sickness and health. His devotion and commitment set an example for his children, family, and friends to follow. He had a beautiful relationship with his parents’ in-law, James and Alma Clark, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Myrna, Sandra, James (Tony), Wayne (Rusty), and Lloyd (Butch). He loved his family fiercely and would protect them at any cost.

Gene had many interests and hobbies over the course of his life: Cleveland sports teams, traveling, boating, RV’ing, camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, dancing, barbequing, wine making, gambling, and cracking jokes. Gene had lots of funny sayings. Perhaps you heard him say things like “I laugh, I Joke, but I don’t play,” or on his birthdays, he was guaranteed to tell you that he was turning “plenty-nine.” He may have even recommended a good number for some of you to play in the lottery, if he felt it was lucky and going to hit.

Eugene Miller Sr. worked many years with the East Ohio Gas Company/Dominion, retiring at the prime age of 55. He had many years to enjoy the fruits of his labor and time well earned. His family and friends certainly have many fond memories. Gene enjoyed phone calls with his cousins, Guy Moore, and DeAnna Houchins Baron, reminiscing the good old times, and there was always plenty to talk about. Gene’s wine making, back yard BBQs, and fish fry’s were legendary. He always made summers something to remember by taking his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their friends, to amusement parks and special events.

Gene was very charming and welcoming. He never met a stranger whom he didn’t have the ability to turn into a friend. Anyone blessed enough to have Eugene, or “Stepper,” as a friend had something more valuable than gold. He was as loyal and dependable as they come. He made brothers when he had none. He established friendships for the ages, lasting generations, and for some, through their lifetimes. Buddies like Frank Stewart, Curtis, Jerry, Donnie, Tommy, James, Lee, Dennis, and Clinton, to name a few, were like brothers. Eugene also found a special brotherhood with the members of the Inter-City Yacht Club. His duties to the club were extremely meaningful to him. During Gene’s widowed years, Dorothy Hogan became a longtime, and devoted companion.

Eugene Miller Sr. passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christina L. Miller, and grandchild, Courtney A. Jones.

He leaves in his legacy and love, children, Eugene Miller Jr. (Brenda), Alisha M. Jones (Cordell), and Yvette Miller-Dey; grandchildren, Eric Miller, Matthew Banks, Sean Stewart, Nadia Dey, Maya Dey, Chandon Dey, Chandler Dey, and Corey E. Jones; great-grandchildren, Eriq Miller, Jasean Miller, and Matthew Banks Jr.; as well as a host of other family and friends also remain to mourn his loss.

We thank Eugene for a life well-lived, and he will forever be remembered.
Gene would probably have us leave by giving you a tip to play his birthday 2/11, or today’s date 3/11, in the upcoming lottery.
I bet he has a feeling that it is going to hit.
Amen.