George E. Miller
George E. “Mimp” Miller, 75, of Washington, died Saturday, January 5, 2019, in his home, 26 days after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
He was born May 23, 1943, in Washington, to Elizabeth Patterson Miller and James Alfred Miller Jr.
He started working for Washington School District as a custodian in 1985 and retired from there in 2005. He was most proud of his years as groundskeeper at the Wash High athletic field. He worked for the last three years as a custodian at Fairhill Manor Christian Church. He had an unparalleled work ethic and rarely missed a single day on the job.
Mimp was a very simple man with simple needs. Fishing was an important part of his life, and he spent countless hours with friends and family at his favorite fishing spots. He was a self-taught woodworker and had more tools than he probably needed. When he was preparing to retire, he built a work shop in his back yard, where some of his happiest hours were spent crafting extraordinary projects out of ordinary pieces of wood. Mimp was your man if you needed something fixed around the house because he was never further than five feet from a screwdriver and was always willing to assist.
He was quick-witted, well-known for his easy smile and had a knack for making people feel comfortable. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan and took pleasure in watching the games with his wife. He loved watching television, especially Westerns, his favorite being Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed playing poker and will always be remembered for his phrase, “Nothing’s wild but the dealer!”
Another passion of his was cooking, and his chicken wings, deviled eggs and baked beans were legendary. In recent years, Mimp enjoyed traveling and vacationing with his greatest love of all, his family.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Darla J. Pepper-Miller, with whom he spent almost 44 years; his sons, Glenn Davis, Michael Clouston and Danny Miller; grandchildren Codero Davis, Briana Furmanek, Katia Davis, Elijah Davis, Glenn Davis Jr., Ciera Davis, Dajia Davis, Tina Davis, Kweilin Beckner, Tracy Miller-Johnson, Rodney Davis, Allen Davis, Michele Davis, Adrianna Bridges, Mylia Miller and Cruz Miller; siblings Billy Miller, Joey Miller, Katherine Bryant, Barbara Bush, Carol Jackson and David Miller. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins and his best childhood friend, Ricky Reed.
Preceding him in death were siblings Edna Harrison, Ethel Patterson, Mary Patterson, Janie Chandler, Alene Ellis, Jimmy Miller, Gordon Miller, Thomas Miller, Eleanor Ann Miller and a stillborn brother. His daughter, Denise, died January 17, 2010, and a grandson, Michael, died June 6, 2015.
At his request, there will be no viewing. A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12, in Fairhill Manor Church, Washington. Those attending are invited to wear blue, Mimp’s favorite color.
One Life. One Love. One Breath.