Richard Leo Miller

Richard Leo Miller (1942-2026) went to be with the Lord on September 16, 2026 surrounded by a brilliant Carolina blue sky at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC. A devoted father of two and grandfather of six, Rich was the very definition of a high-energy guy who never met a stranger. Born on November 18, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA to Richard Herbert Miller and Marie McDonough Miller, Rich grew up as the quintessential southern California kid. He loved the outdoors and was an avid bird watcher. He did many years of college and graduate school ending with a PhD in Marine Biology at Oregon State University. Rich spent his career spanning several states, concluding with a stint at UNC-Chapel Hill for 15 years in the Environmental, Health, and Safety department. He retired in 2009 and returned to his roots in Southern California. Rich lived life to the fullest and enjoyed his retirement traveling the world and of course cheering on the Tar Heels along the way.

He is survived by his son Brian and daughter-in-law Teresa, grandchildren Kyle and Katelyn, his son Kent and daughter-in-law Brynne and grandchildren Amelia, Michaela, Theodore and Oliver, and longtime friend Rebecca Belosic. He is preceded in death by his wife of 35 years Janice Carol Miller and his sister Elaine Bradford.

A celebration of life service will take place on Friday, September 25 at 11 a.m. at Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Transitions LifeCare (https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/) in Raleigh, NC or The Duke/UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. (https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth?designation=2910862)