Gary Miller, Sr.

Gary Edward Miller, Sr. of Au Sable Forks, NY, a pillar of his community and a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and friend passed away unexpectedly at home on May 13, 2024. Gary was born on July 2, 1948, in Au Sable Forks, to Pauline (Blaise) Miller and James Edward Miller. 

Gary was a man of unwavering integrity and grit. He entered the workforce as a teenager when he became employed at the paper mill in AuSable Forks as well as in his father "Macker's" garage where he learned auto body and mechanics which became one of his true passions. A short time after, he was employed at Cumberland Motors in Plattsburgh before being called to begin his career as a bus driver at the age of 21. For the next 29 years, he dedicated himself to safely transporting countless children to and from school for the Au Sable Valley Central School District. Simultaneously, Gary founded Miller's Fuel in 1975, a fuel business that continues to thrive today, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1983, Gary ambitiously built Miller's Country Store from the ground up, creating a cherished establishment in the heart of the community. His entrepreneurial pursuits did not end there; he also owned a wrecker business and later The Twist ice cream shop, bringing joy to the locals of Au Sable Forks.

A proud veteran of the US Navy, Gary made the difficult decision to leave his service to care for his father and manage his growing businesses. He was involved with Fast Pitch Softball for over 50 years as a ball player, coach, league officer, and team sponsor for Miller's Fuel and Miller's store. Gary loved hosting celebratory gatherings at his home on Fern Lake after games, where he was the Past President of the Fern Lake Association. He also had a passion for classic cars, especially Mustangs. Gary's competitive spirit extended to water skiing, where he found joy and camaraderie in skiing around his beloved Fern Lake and even in competitive skiing events in Lake Placid.

Gary's love for John Wayne movies and black-and-white westerns reflected his appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. He was also a dog lover, who was preceded in death by his beloved companions Dakota and Lady.

Gary received exceptional care from the cardiology team at CVPH and Dr. Lodha, which his family is very appreciative of. Special gratitude is also extended to his home health aide, Cathy, for her unwavering support throughout his journey.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved dogs Dakota and Lady; his parents, James "Macker" and Pauline Miller; his siblings Paula Morrow, James Miller, II; and his beloved niece Michelle Miller.

Gary is survived by his children, Tiffany (Bruce) Thomas, Jennifer (Richard Meek) Miller, Gary (Malynda) Miller, II, and Amanda (Roger Douglas, Jr.) Miller; his grandchildren, Kayla Devlin, Kyle Miller, Dustin Miller, Alexandra Thomas, Alysa Miller, Keagen Miller, Emily Desso, and Iliza Douglas; as well as his siblings, Cole Miller, Jamine (Mike) McGiff; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members. He is also survived by his neighbors Jen, Joel, and Aksel, who were like family to him as well as is his loyal dog, Athena

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association in Gary's honor.

Visitation and service will take place to honor Gary's life at Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The family kindly requests all to attend a reception at Holy Name Parish Center immediately following the service, where food and refreshments will be served. May his legacy of hard work, passion, and love for life always be remembered.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks, NY.