James Miller
James Ronald “Ron” Miller, 81 of Sour Lake, died Friday, June 28, 2019. He was born on February 27, 1938, in Vernon, Texas, to Mabel Tucker Miller and Virgil Lee Miller.
Ron is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Judith Ann Miller; daughter, Marianna Miller, of Sour Lake; sons, John Michael Miller and his wife, Kim, of Sour Lake and James Martin Miller and his wife, Joan, of Rosenberg; brother, Jay Milton “Mickey” Miller and his wife, Judi, of Salem, Oregon; brothers-in-law, Ben Appleby and his wife, Janet of River Crossing, and Harold Appleby and his wife, Connie, of Mountain Home, Arkansas; grandchildren, Lindsey Sturrock and her husband, Austin, of Montgomery; Jacob Miller, of Beaumont; Marianna Grace Miller and Jorge Ronald Miller, both of Rosenberg; and great-grandchildren, Slade Sturrock and Ella Sturrock, both of Montgomery.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Kenneth Ray Miller.
Ron was a member of the 1956 graduating class of Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, Texas where he was the student council class president and member of the varsity baseball team. He graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1960 where he played on the baseball team.
Ron loved coaching and had outstanding baseball teams wherever he coached. After graduating from Abilene Christian University Ron started his coaching career in Victoria where he coached over 130 6th, 7th, and 8th grade football players spanning four successful seasons. In 1965 Ron was promoted to the varsity baseball head coach position where he enjoyed 5 years of winning seasons. This period of Ron’s life was some of his happiest and most successful years, and right up until the last weeks of his life he stayed in touch with his players from these teams. In the summer of 2017 Ron traveled to Victoria by invitation to celebrate a fifty year reunion with his players.
In 1968 Ron was the first choice of Corpus Christi King High School to be their varsity baseball coach. He enjoyed one- successful season at King before being offered the varsity baseball coach position at Beaumont French High School. Ron had four successful seasons at Beaumont French before being promoted to the position of Dean of Students. He served as Dean of Students until 1978 when he began his career at Hardin-Jefferson.
Ron started out in Hardin-Jefferson as the high school principal where he served in this position until 1982. Later that year he began his tenure as the Superintendent and served in that position until his retirement from public school in 1992. Following his retirement Ron served as the Superintendent for Beaumont Christian Schools for several years before settling into his full retirement.
After his retirement Ron remained a loyal supporter of Hardin-Jefferson athletics, fishing, playing golf and spending time with his family. He was a faithful member of Meadows Church of Christ, Beaumont.
A gathering of Mr. Miller’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Meadows Church of Christ, 9195 Dishman Road, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at 2:00 p.m., at Rosedale Cemetery, Sour Lake.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ron Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund; C/O HJISD, PO Box 2003, Sour Lake, Texas 77659.
Video
Rosedale Cemetery
Rosedale Cemetery
- old beaumont road sour lake tx 77659
Funeral Service
Funeral Service
- 9195 Dishman Road, Beaumont, Texas 77713
- 07/03/2019
- 10:30 am
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 07/02/2019
- 8:58 am
Comments
Carole Appleby
Thoughts and prayers going out to the Miller Family. My childhood summer memories of staying with the family are happy and plentiful. Uncle Ron will be greatly missed by all.
Gary & Susie Martel
A great man and family! He was an H-J Hawk through and through and that’s all that matters! Our thoughts and prayers to the Miller Family! Gary & Susie Martel
Nelda Allen
Judy,Robert and I was so sorry to hear of Ronny's passing. He was such a sweet man and a wonderful husband and Father. When we did get to be together with you and Ronny it was always a good time. I know that you have peace knowing he is with His Savior and that you will see him again one day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and all the family. We love you very much.
Judi and Ronnie Benoit
Judi, Michael, Marianna, Martin and families. We. are so sad to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have so many wonderful memories together. God bless you. Judi and Ronnie Benoit
Dena Byrd
When my nephew married Ron and Judith's grand daughter they accepted me as family, too. We sat beside each other at football games and holiday dinners and became great friends. My heart hurts for Judith.
Web and Linda Trahan
Judith and family, please accept our condolences for your loss. Ron was always kind and sweet to us. May God bless you in the days ahead.
Reginald Alvin Goodman
I just learned of "Coach" Miller's passing today. He was my 8th grade football coach in Victoria Texas and also a coach after that at Victoria High School where I graduated. He was one of the kindest teacher's and coaches that I ever knew. I know he will be missed.
Philip Rochelli
Judith, My condolences on the loss of Ronnie (Coach). My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Paula Bothe
Deepest Sympathy, Marianna, to you and your family. He must have been a remarkable father.
Billie Sterns Downey
Judith, On behalf of the Lutcher Stark Class of 1952 we send our prayers and condolences for you and your family.
Barry and Tiffanie Webter
Dear Miller Family, We are so sad to hear of Ronnie's passing. He was a very special man and know he will be missed by so many. Ronnie was a special blessing to our family, especially to my father, Gene Chism. His friendhsip and Christian witness shinned the love and light of Christ into our family and will never be forgotten. During this difficult time, may you experience the comfort, strength and peace of the Lord. Our love and prayers are with you, Tiffanie Chism Webster and Barry Webster
Larry Surratt
Judith and family This is such a sad time that we have to share. There are so many fond memories I will cherish of 'Coach Miller'. I look back on the influence Coach had on my life and I can smile as I recall so many good times we had. Coach was my freshman driver's ed classroom teacher first, then he was my varsity baseball coach my sophomore, junior, and senior year at Victoria High School. I remember on one occasion we had a reunion breakfast at DENNY's in Coach's honor. There were over twenty players from all over the country that gathered to reminisce about our days with Coach Miller at VHS. It was the greatest group of white haired.....bald headed kids that was ever assembled to honor such a wonderful man. I have been blessed to have Coach as a tremendous part of my life. I pray that God has a spot on His coaching staff where our Coach Miller can continue to do what he so loved. Judith and family, I want to personally thank you for sharing Coach with all of us young boys, who were so fortunate to have a man who really cared about making us better young men. Be strengthened by God's word and know that Coach is preparing a place for us all in God's Kingdom. LARRY SURRATT VHS 1968
Carolyn and David Boyd
We are saddened by the news of Ronny's passing. His was a life well lived. Judy and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
the Morgans
My last memory of Ron was his smiling face at the Ridgewood reunion in the old building... He will be remembered by more people than you can possibly know.. We love the entire Miller family, and wish you peace in your hearts as your memories comfort you...
Jim & Elaine Leger
A super coach and a great friend to Daddy and the entire Leger family. This loss brings back many great baseball and life stories. Coach and Dad made an Alaskan hunt together in 1986. I saw Coach several times in the past few months. He talked, in detail, about French High ballgames from 1971. He recited season records, teams we beat and lost to, plays during specific ball games and ball players that I forgot about, but he remembered. I thought he was a great man. The Miller family will be in our prayers.
Judy Morton
Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Margaret Barker
I first met Ron at Lamar in a graduate education class. He was a fine man and a friend. I knew him in his years at HJ and he was a wonderful person.. My condolences to his family.