Raymond Monroe Miller Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Raymond Monroe Miller Jr passed away unexpectedly in his home on February 2, 2020 in Huntsville TX. He was known as Ray to his friends and Junie to close family. He was born in Colorado on October 9, 1927, the son of Ray M. Miller Sr. and Doris M. Cummins. Ray grew up in the rural foothills of the Rockies, now Lakewood, Co. where he enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing sports. While still in high school he worked many full and part-time jobs to support himself. After High School, he joined the Merchant Marines to help in World War II. As a Merchant Marine, he was a radio operator on cargo ships moving war goods across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After the war, he worked for Midwest Precote Company while participating in the University of Cincinnati’s Engineering Co-op Program, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering. While working at Midwest Precote Company, he fell in love with one of his co-workers, Betty Jo Lear, who he married on July 4, 1951. They were married for 61 years, She passed away on July 28, 2012. They rightfully claimed that our country’s July 4th fireworks were celebrations of their wonderful marriage. Professionally, Ray had a very successful career as a Civil Engineer, Company Owner and International Project Manager. He started with road building, but quickly transitioned to building cross-country pipelines. As a business owner, he specialized in difficult pipeline construction challenges that included river crossings and other “near impossible” engineering and construction feats. One of his Companies, P&M Constructors, was responsible for developing, building and expanding many gas distribution pipeline networks throughout the Midwest in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He was also considered one of the premier pipeline corrosion consultants in the Midwest and would never pass up a consulting challenge. Later, in the 1970’s and 1980’s, he worked on some of the largest international pipelines projects in the world. From 1975 – 1980, he was the Project Manager in Kuwait for Santa Fe International’s Iraq-Kuwait Pipeline Project. Later, he joined Fluor as the Construction Manager in Western Australia for the Perth to Dampier $1.2 billion pipeline. At the time, this was one of the largest engineering - construction projects in the world. Once he retired, Betty and Ray located to Raymore, Missouri, south of Kansas City. Throughout his retirement, he enjoyed fishing, gardening and travelling. He was a member, elder and board member at the Raymore Christian Church. After Betty passed away he relocated to Huntsville, TX to be closer to family while continuing to fish and garden. He was always proud to share his vegetables with family and friends. In Huntsville, he was a dedicated member of the Huntsville First Christian Church. Ray leaves behind a large family including daughters Janis Miller, Clemson, South Carolina and Karen Hooper (Scott Tomlinson), Missouri City, Texas; son Raymond Miller III (Val), The Woodlands, Texas; Grandchildren Brandi Stephenson (Milford), Raymond Miller IV (Jennifer), Ryne Miller (Melissa), Rennet Tomlinson (Eric), Austin Hooper and Riley Hooper; Great grandchildren Georgia, Zoey, Raymond V (Rex), Ava, Maxwell, Olivia, Mack, Hayes and last but not least Stone. He also leaves behind his special friend Shirley Outlaw, Huntsville, Texas; his sister Virginia Woodall (Stan), Kansas City, Missouri, brother Rolland Miller (Betty), Lees Summit, Missouri, brother Glenn Miller (Barb), Pell City, Alabama and sister-in-law, Jerry Miller, Justin, Texas. He was preceded in passing by brothers Don Miller and Bob Miller, his parents, and of course, his wife Betty Jo. A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church in Huntsville, Texas (1800 Ave R) starting at 1:00 pm on Saturday February 8 preceded by a reception and light lunch starting at 11:00 am. A graveside service will be held at the Spring River Cemetery in Verona, Missouri starting at 1:00 pm on Monday February 10 preceded by visitation starting at 11:00 am at the Peterson Funeral Chapel in Aurora, Missouri (229 West Church Street). In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Christian Church (1800 Ave R, Huntsville, TX 77340). Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville at 936-291-7300 and Peterson Funeral Chapel in Aurora at 417-678-2156. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Raymond Monroe Miller Jr.

October 9, 1927 - February 2, 2020