Floyd Leonard Miller

Floyd Miller passed away peacefully at home Sunday, February 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, in the Chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with The Reverend Bill Grusendorf officiating, burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. There will be a visitation with family and friends held prior to the service, at 12:30 p.m., in the chapel.

Floyd was born March 5, 1931, in Waco, Texas, to Clarence Miller and Bertha Roeder Miller. He attended Waco public schools, including Waco High School, which he graduated from in 1949. Floyd was a proud member of the 1948 Waco High State Championship Football Team that was undefeated and posted a 14-0 record. He conducted and coordinated the football team reunions each year. To date, only three members are still living. In October 2023, the team was honored at the Waco ISD Stadium for their 75th anniversary.

In the spring of his senior year in high school he began dating the love of his life, Barbara Milam, and the two enrolled at Baylor University and after both graduating, they married May 23, 1953. They would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in May 2024. At Baylor, Floyd was a member of the Taurus Society, a popular Men's Social Club and Delta Sig, a business fraternity. He was also an elected member of the Executive Council of the School of Business. While at Baylor, Floyd enrolled in the ROTC program and completed a four-year program in two years.

Upon graduation, Floyd joined the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. He and Barbara moved to Wyoming for a short time, before being assigned to Parks Air Force Base in Livermore, California where their son, Ross Lee Miller, was born on November 11, 1955.

After being honorably discharged from active duty, Floyd and Barbara returned to Waco; however, Floyd continued to be active in the Air Force Reserves for an additional nine years, retiring with the rank of Captain. Floyd loved the Air Force, and he and Barbara met many life-long friends during this time.

Their daughter, Ginger Ann Miller, was born in Waco, and she and Floyd affectionately called each other "Charlie".

After Floyd's discharge, he worked tirelessly for the family business, Clarence Miller Autos, alongside his mother. He retired at the age of 80 in 2011.

In the early 1970's, Floyd along with Diz Dean, Gerry Rogers and Bill Schmidt built a houseboat, The Salud, that was found most weekends on Lake Waco. Floyd and Barbara entertained many life-long friends on the lake and loved being with their family and friends. Barbara and Floyd never missed a Baylor Football game and were season tickets holders from 1956 to 2014. They traveled the world extensively, taking a total of 60 cruises. They loved sports and were avid fans of the Dallas Cowboys. Floyd had a passion for family and friends, and he never lost his great sense of humor.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bertha Roeder Miller; his son-in-law, John Henry Lovelace, Jr.; and a multitude of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is survived by his son, Ross Lee Miller and wife Suzanne of Austin; his daughter, Ginger Ann Lovelace of Waco; grandchildren Mallory Miller, Milam Miller and wife Emmy, John Henry Lovelace Ill and wife Alex; as well as great-grandchildren, Lilly Lovelace, Annalise Lovelace and Abrielle Lovelace.

Pallbearers include, John Henry Lovelace, Ill, Ace Closs, Russell Trippett, Trey Miller, Cliff Burgess, Allen Miller and Don McKinney. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Pearson, Charles Richard Roeder, Joe Tull, Cecil Sedberry, Bobby Tucker, Joy Dean, Guy King and Bob Brown.

Memorials can be made in Floyd's honor to Community Healthcare of Texas or Stilwell Retirement Residence. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in Floyd’s guestbook and “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.