Gary Wilson Miller

Gary Wilson Miller, 69, of Kent, died Saturday, May 17, 2014 at his home with his family by his bedside.

He was born September 15, 1944 in Ravenna, to C. Baker and Leota E. (Butler) Miller. Gary graduated from Kent State High School and received an Associate degree in Commercial Art from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War. Gary truly appreciated the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, kayaking, fishing and hiking. He loved to play with his grandchildren and teach them about nature. They were a joy to him! At any time you could have seen Gary driving his dark green '51 Chevy pick-up around downtown Kent. Gary spent his time on his art and restoring old cars with his son, Travis. Gary was a true artist in every sense of the word. He was creative in every medium, including, painting, sculpture, boat construction, scrimshaw, pencil drawing, photography, and woodworking. We will truly miss you Papa!

He is survived by his wife, Linda A. (Perkowski) Miller; son, Travis Wilson (Wendy) Miller of Kent; daughter, Julie Emelia (Scott) McKinney of Kent; grandchildren, Devan Wilson McKinney, John Gabriel McKinney, Sarah Ann McKinney, Aaron James McKinney, Kira Marie McKinney, Stella Kathleen Miller, Davis Wilson Miller; sisters, Darlene (John) Steciw of Punta Gorda Isles, FL and Joan Miller of Nashville, IN. Through his faith in Christ, Gary has been reunited in death with his parents, C. Baker and Leota E. Miller; and grandson, Colin Wilson McKinney.

Graveside services will be held 3:00 PM Tuesday, May 20th at Standing Rock Cemetery, with Pastor Cole Tawney of Riverwood Chapel officiating. In honor of Gary, casual dress is requested. Memorial contributions may be made to The Portage Foundation, 138 E. Main St, Kent, OH 44240, or designated for Hospice Visiting Nurses through the Akron General Foundation, 1 Akron General Ave, Akron, OH 44307. Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory are handling the arrangements.