George Vernon Miller, age 86, died peacefully at home last Friday, while enjoying the sun on his back deck, after a long walk on the beach and a lunch with his wife, Freddie, the love of his life.

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George was born and raised with six siblings in New Brighton, Pennsylvania; graduated from high school, completed OCS and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as a lieutenant and bombardier/navigator for a B-17 in World War II. After more than 50 harrowing missions with the 15thAir Force over Italy, Poland, and Germany. George returned to Western Pennsylvania to renew his life with Fredrica as part of America's "Greatest Generation."

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George worked 35 years in management for the A&P Tea Company where he was a responsible and dedicated leader for his company, fair and just with his employees, and consistently service-oriented to his customers. After retiring in 1978, he and Freddie moved to California to begin a new life close to their songs.

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Throughout their life George was dedicated to his family, his church, and sports. He was a Sunday School superintendent, served on the church council, played for handbell choir, and sang in the church choir. With his sons, George helped build his own house and worked with them on theirs as well. He enjoyed attending high school sporting events, especially when his son was coaching or his grandchildren were competing, and he passionately followed his beloved Steelers during football season. A lifelong golfer, George regularly played at Laguna Seca and Rancho Canada. He loved the music of Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Welk, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra; was fervently interested in the Civil War; and mastered the art of garage sale shipping. George was a life long member of the VFW and the Masons. As a devoted servant of others, he gave to a multitude of charities like the Salvation Army and Native American groups, he would often personally deliver turkeys to the needy on Thanksgiving, and sponsored an international child for many years.

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George Miller was preceded in death by his eldest son, Jim, and is survived by Fredrica Smith Miller, his loving wife of 64 years; son, Robert Miller; son, David Miller and his wife Pam, all of Carmel; grandson Dr. Matthew Miller and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Miller of Palo Alto; granddaughter, Erin Crum and her husband, Dr. Eri Crum of Boise, Idaho; granddaughter, Lisa Bridge and her husband, Richard Bridges of Brisbane, Australia; grandson Jeff Miller and his wife, Susan of Phoenix Arizona; his daughter-in-law, Linda Elder (widow of son, Jim), and her husband, Dwayne Robinson of Valparaiso, Indiana; and two great-grandchildren, Adam and Amanda Miller of Denver, Colorado.