Bridgewater, NJ
On Thursday, July 16, 2020, David Miller, loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend entered into eternal rest at the age of 78 after a short battle with cancer.
David went through the Somerville School System and was employed by the Vitrified Products Company in Somerville. He entered the U.S. Army in February 1964 and completed his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. He was then stationed at Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia where he completed his training. He was selected to participate in the Presidential Escort of the Inaugural Parade held in honor of President Johnson. He was also selected to be a member of the National Honor Guard, which entailed, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the National Monument in Washington, D.C. These responsibilities included maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the U.S. Army and the Nation while keeping a constant vigil at the National Shrine. He was honorably discharged in 1970 after obtaining the rank of Sargent E-5.
In 1967, David joined the Somerville Royals semi-pro baseball team of the Montclair Garden State League. Shortly thereafter, he took over the Somerville Royals and the team was renamed, the Somerville Raiders, where he became player and coach. The Somerville Raiders were a very athletic and competitive team, winning many championships across New Jersey. He also played and coached The Ville touch football league out of Sayreville, NJ for many years.
In 1968, David married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Rodgers and resided in Somerville, NJ. In 1974, David and his family moved to Bridgewater (Hobbstown), NJ.
This is where his legacy began…David meant so much to so many. He was a father figure and mentor to all he came in contact with. He enjoyed teaching and coaching basketball, football, baseball, tennis and even golf; David enjoyed all aspects of each sport. He attended as many games, special events, and graduations he could to show his love and support.
Some of his favorite sayings were, “The second Tuesday of next week”, “Alright good people”, “Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today”, “You going to get a whoppin’”, They’re not here to defend themselves”, “I’m going to send you to the moon” among many others. And if you don’t already know, he was an avid Giants and Mets fanatic. He was their #1 Fan.
For many years, David worked for Twin County Groceries until they closed in 1999. He retired after working for Toys R Us in 2011. Upon retirement, he worked for Greenbook GMC.
David was predeceased by his siblings, Molly Bell, Evelyn Gray, Ruth Johnson, Paul Miller, Philip Miller, James Miller, Elizabeth Gaines, Ester Talley, William Miller, George Miller, Elouise Jones, Naomi Lauri and his parents, Claude and Edith Miller.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth (Betty), his four children, Vicki Leonard (Kenny), Robin Taylor, David Jr., and Lance (Dreana), four sisters, Anna Murdock, Hannah Avant, Mary Williams and Sarah Ashley, 10 grand- and 4 great-grandkids and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, relative and friends.
On Thursday, July 16, 2020, David Miller, loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend entered into eternal rest at the age of 78 after a short battle with cancer.
David went through the Somerville School System and was employed by the Vitrified Products Company in Somerville. He entered the U.S. Army in February 1964 and completed his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. He was then stationed at Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia where he completed his training. He was selected to participate in the Presidential Escort of the Inaugural Parade held in honor of President Johnson. He was also selected to be a member of the National Honor Guard, which entailed, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the National Monument in Washington, D.C. These responsibilities included maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the U.S. Army and the Nation while keeping a constant vigil at the National Shrine. He was honorably discharged in 1970 after obtaining the rank of Sargent E-5.
In 1967, David joined the Somerville Royals semi-pro baseball team of the Montclair Garden State League. Shortly thereafter, he took over the Somerville Royals and the team was renamed, the Somerville Raiders, where he became player and coach. The Somerville Raiders were a very athletic and competitive team, winning many championships across New Jersey. He also played and coached The Ville touch football league out of Sayreville, NJ for many years.
In 1968, David married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Rodgers and resided in Somerville, NJ. In 1974, David and his family moved to Bridgewater (Hobbstown), NJ.
This is where his legacy began…David meant so much to so many. He was a father figure and mentor to all he came in contact with. He enjoyed teaching and coaching basketball, football, baseball, tennis and even golf; David enjoyed all aspects of each sport. He attended as many games, special events, and graduations he could to show his love and support.
Some of his favorite sayings were, “The second Tuesday of next week”, “Alright good people”, “Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today”, “You going to get a whoppin’”, They’re not here to defend themselves”, “I’m going to send you to the moon” among many others. And if you don’t already know, he was an avid Giants and Mets fanatic. He was their #1 Fan.
For many years, David worked for Twin County Groceries until they closed in 1999. He retired after working for Toys R Us in 2011. Upon retirement, he worked for Greenbook GMC.
David was predeceased by his siblings, Molly Bell, Evelyn Gray, Ruth Johnson, Paul Miller, Philip Miller, James Miller, Elizabeth Gaines, Ester Talley, William Miller, George Miller, Elouise Jones, Naomi Lauri and his parents, Claude and Edith Miller.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth (Betty), his four children, Vicki Leonard (Kenny), Robin Taylor, David Jr., and Lance (Dreana), four sisters, Anna Murdock, Hannah Avant, Mary Williams and Sarah Ashley, 10 grand- and 4 great-grandkids and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, relative and friends.