David Edward Miller, Jr.

David Edward Miller, Jr., 60, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, died on November 23, 2008. David was born February 2, 1948 in New Britain, Connecticut to Irene and David Miller, Sr. He enjoyed his childhood in Scotland, Connecticut growing up with many cousins and neighborhood friends. He graduated from Windham High School in 1966. He attended the University of Connecticut as an engineering major and later in life completed studies in computer programming. He developed a 17-year career (1987-2004) as a computer programmer beginning with Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley, Roanoke, Virginia, being a part of the IS team that grew both as the technology changed and as the company merged with Roanoke Memorial Hospital thereby becoming Carilion Healthcare System. David was recognized and respected for his commitment and dedication to the many changes involved in maintaining the integrity of computer software responsible for the payroll of an ever growing company. He had been an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Callaway, Virginia, a long-time member of the Franklin County Organic Gardening Club and a founding supporter of the Herb Society of Southwestern Virginia. David was a member of the AOPA, had a private pilot’s license, and found tremendous joy in flying. David was a skilled fine wood worker. Before moving to Virginia, David worked at Metalmast Marine in Putnam, Connecticut where he accomplished complete custom interior woodwork on a number of cruising/racing sailboats, such as the 40’ Block Island. He and his wife Patricia were caretakers of Putnam Elms the home of Colonel Daniel Putnam in Brooklyn, Connecticut, where he handcrafted replacement windows in the original 17th century manner. David was an avid reader and was able to absorb and recall everything he read. David also took great pleasure spending time tending his gardens and trees. David is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Patricia Berglund Miller; mother, Irene Surprise Miller of Scotland, CT; brother, Laurence Miller and wife Patricia of Scotland, CT; sister, Elizabeth Miller Coale and friend Rodney Brown of Rocky Mount, VA; sister, Sara Miller Zordan and husband Gerry of Torrington, CT; mother-in-law, Eula M. Berglund and many other dear family members and friends. David was preceded in death by his father, David Edward Miller, Sr. The Miller Family would like to give their deepest appreciation and thanks to the staff of Carilion Hospice of Franklin County as well as Carilion Family Medicine and the Blue Ridge Cancer Care Center for their dedication and commitment to providing David with special and respectful care and comfort during his long illness. A memorial service will be held in David's honor at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2008, Vaughn Chapel at Ferrum College with Chaplain Rick Poland and Rev. Christine Payden-Travers officiating. David paid attention to detail in whatever he did, from his work as a computer programmer, skilled woodworker, to working in his gardens and pruning his trees. Paying attention to detail was a way he sought spiritual fulfillment in his everyday life. He lived his life with integrity, honesty, respect and trust. We honor the man that he was, the man that he is...and the man that he will be forevermore. Farewell and death are only different descriptions for a new beginning in life. All that you are leaving behind you will find again-in a different shape and form. We love you. We honor you.
Memorials may be made to Carilion Hospice Services of Franklin County, 390 South Main St., Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Flora Funeral Services of Rocky Mount, VA is in charge of arrangements.