Obituary: Robert B. Miller (Oct. 8, 1919 – Dec. 8, 2011)

Former Crescent City resident Robert B. Miller, 92, of Grants Pass, Ore., passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011, at Carl’s House Adult Foster Care home in Grants Pass from natural causes. 

One of six children, Bob was born on October 8, 1919, in Portland, Ore., to Jay and Mary Miller. He spent his youth in Tillamook, Ore., and moved back to Portland as a young adult.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis, Wash., on June 7, 1944. He received an honorable discharge on May 11, 1946, at grade TEC-5. He spent time at Camp Wolters, Texas; Camp Lee, Virginia; and Fort McPherson, Georgia, as a truck driver. He drove a 21⁄2 ton vehicle hauling troops, supplies, rations and equipment. He did this for five months in the 4200th Service Command Unit. He also made vehicle repairs and daily routine vehicle checks. He received the American Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. One of his most memorable experiences was being a chauffeur for General Patton. After discharge he was a member of the enlisted reserves in the Transportation Corps.

After service to his country Bob was a truck driver for many years driving for Arrow Transportation, West Coast, Interstate Freight Lines, Santry, Asbury and Acme Tank Lines while logging over 2 million miles. During his down time he was a general carpenter remodeling homes and businesses in the Portland, Ore., and Crescent City areas.

He married Marjorie Wooley on August 20, 1955, in Portland. Between them they had four children. In 1964 the family moved to Crescent City, where they remained for 45 years while Bob continued to drive truck. His final position was as a construction contractor for Rellim Redwood Mills where he retired in 1986.

Bob had a love for woodworking. He spent his retirement as a member of the Crescent City Volunteer Firefighters, Sutter Coast Auxiliary and creating wonderful items in his wood shop. In October 2010 Bob and Marge moved to Grants Pass to be close to family.

In addition to his spouse of 56 years, Marjorie, survivors include a sister Reta Rodal of Seattle, children Charles Miller of Portland, Ore.; Sharon Cummings of Salt Lake City, Utah; Susan and Ray Elliott of Grants Pass, and Patty and Barney LaMontagne of Grants Pass. He has eight grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

His parents, one brother and three sisters preceded Bob in death.

Special thanks from the family to Asante Hospice, Autumn House and Carl’s House for their wonderful care and support.

Contributions: Sutter Coast Auxiliary: 800 E. Washington Blvd., Crescent City, California 95531.

For online condolences, tributes and family contributions, please visit stephensfc.com.

Cremation Arrangements by Stephens Family Chapel, Grants Pass, Ore.

— Submitted by Stephens Family Chapel