Robert J. Miller, hardware store owner
Robert J. Miller, 87, of Milton passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
Bob owned and operated the former Franklin Hardware of Lewes for 43 years. Golfing was his passion and singing was his life. He was a member of Goshen United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for 70 years. He was also a member of the Men’s Chorus started by Bill Earl.
Bob served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan and Indochina during the 1950s. Bob served in the American Legion for 65 years and the Odd Fellows Lodge for over 60 years.
People also will remember him in the little Model T he had in all the Christmas parades and the Lewes Doo-Dah parade. Bob was the president of the Milton PTA and worked with the group who consolidated Milton, Lewes and Rehoboth school districts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Minnie Miller; stepfather, Paris Carpenter; sister, Helen Walls; and great-granddaughter, Sophia Miller.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gloria; son, Kenny and wife Anna of Georgetown; and daughter, Donna Lannom and fiancé Doug Carter of Lewes. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Darci Cummins and husband Sean of Laurel; Stephanie Miller and fiancé Tim Halter of Millsboro; and Sarah Miller and fiancé Richard Maddux of Seaford. His surviving great-grandchildren include Haley and Marli Cummins and Luke Joseph. Additionally, Bob is survived by his sister, Gwen Bunting and her husband Harold of Milton; and his goddaughter, Terri Betts Carey. He dearly loved his family.
He leaves many friends, his golf partner, Harold Betts; his oyster sandwich friend Lester Radke; and a special friend, Gary Clegg, of Lake City, Fla.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18, at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Bob by making a donation to Goshen United Methodist Church - Bob Miller Memorial Fund, 103 Mulberry St., Milton, DE 19968.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.
Online condolences to the family may be submitted to: www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
