Richard L Miller

Richard Miller

Panguitch, Utah

Richard L. Miller- aka Grandpa Dick, Dicky, Drone, Richard, 73, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2013 in Panguitch , Utah at the same home he was born in years earlier on September 9, 1939 on the kitchen table. He married Judith Ann Dalton, they later divorced. Together they had two daughters, Trudi Ann (Mike) Owens and Heidi Dell (Scott) Woolsey; two granddaughters: Falyn Rai and Myca Ann (Jesse) Flanagan; and one great-granddaughter, Byntlee Rai Owens.

Dick was born to LaGean and Edra Richards Miller, the eldest of three brothers. He was so stubborn he survived rheumatic fever when he was 12 and as a kid later found enjoyment in sports, working, arguing and trivia. He was on the legendary State Champion 1957 Class B Men’s Basketball Team wearing #5 and a member of the 1957 State Champion Track Team. He graduated from Panguitch High School in 1957, married Judy moved to Salt Lake City and was employed by the Utah Highway Division. Later he moved back to Panguitch and spent several years working for John Orton at the Round-Up and as his official hay baler.

After his retirement, Dick became a town figure driving slowly around in his Isuzu, giving words of wisdom or "Dick-isms" at Leland’s Chevron and Orton Tire, his daily rides with Mr. Church and several fishing trips in the blue boat with him and his long-time friend and teammate, Mr. Worthen. Dick would let all know he was an accomplished seamstress, sewing his girls’ dance outfits and his own dress suits. In his eyes, he was more knowledgeable than "the Google" or any encyclopedia ever written. He held the record for the highest scorer from Panguitch High School in a championship game, until recently. He broke barriers becoming one of the first men to hold a position as the compassionate service coordinator in the Relief Society. When he wasn’t serving potatoes at a "party"’ he was home watching basketball, tennis and golf on three different TV’s- always on mute because he was much smarter than the announcers.

Dick’s quick wit and humor will be missed by many from the gym to the horse racing track, the deer hunting Dutch-oven parties and the fishing hole.

He is survived by his children, granddaughters and great-granddaughter; his brothers: Edward J (Glennis) Miller and Kenneth Ray (Randi) Miller and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Everyone is invited to join the family for Dick’s last "party" on Thursday, August 29, 2013. Memorial services will be held at 12:00 Noon in the Panguitch 2 ^nd Ward Church, 200 North 400 East, where friends may call from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Panguitch Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.