Obituary of Barney Ralph Miller

Barney was born on 4/4/42 in Tacoma, Washington at St. Joseph's Hospital. After a short battle with cancer, he joined the Lord on 1/15/10. He lived the last two weeks of his life in University Place at Franciscan Hospice House. A lifetime resident and a true Tacoman. Barney grew up in the hilltop area of Tacoma with his father and mother Floyd and Helen Miller and sister Merry Potter at 2318 So K St. He went to McCarver Elementary from Kindergarten to the 9th Grade and on to graduate from Stadium High School. After graduating from Stadium, he went on to work as a pin setter at a now closed bowling alley and then on to serve his country in the Air Force for 4 years and then into the Marine Corp for an additional 4 years, where he served during the Vietnam War. Additionally, through his service in the military, he was able to travel the world. After leaving the military, he came home and went on to Bates Vocational School to study. He went on to be hired at Boeing as an engineer, Pac-Car and Atlas Foundry and then on to a career with Tacoma Public Utilities where he retired after 30 years. Through all of this, he was involved with many organizations such as the Lions Club of Tacoma , local chapter of the V.F.W and Pierce County Search and Rescue Units. He taught high school at Tacoma's Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. His many hobbies consisted of flying Sesna airplanes, four wheeling in his jeep, sharpshooting, collecting of firearms, collecting stamps as a child, helping others when in need, a 2nd degree black belt in Karate and was a truly brilliant artist. His biggest hobby of all was his love of food. His biggest gift to us all was his insatiable humor and his time with his family, mostly his grandchildren Dominique, Joyanne, and Trey. Also taking his little gift a Jack Russel named Jake for rides around the city and beyond. We would like to thank Franciscan Hospice House for all of their loving help and care. Barney had a great love for his family. He is survived by his wife of 27 years Elizabeth "Betty" Miller, his children Robert and Michelle, and grandchildren Dominique, Trey, and Joyanne, his sister Merry Potter, his many nephews Scott, Kelly and Billy Joe, his two great nieces Tara and Alexis, one great nephew Tyler, and last but certainly not least his little dog Jake. Barney will be dearly missed by all he touched, joining his father and mother Floyd and Helen Miller and nephew Jimmie Potter at the gates of heaven. Say "Hi" to them for us. We love you all. Funeral service to be held 1/25/10 at 1:00PM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 3315 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98405 with viewing at 11:00AM. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008. Donations can be made to Franciscan Hospice House.