Douglas Miller Obituary

Colonel (Ret) Douglas J. Miller, 67, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on October 22, 2025.

Born on February 3, 1958, in Nuremberg, Germany, to Richard J. Miller and Wilda M. Miller, née Wylie, he was raised in Corning, New York, and graduated from C.P.P. East High School in 1976. It was there he met his high school sweetheart, Susan F. Larrea (Sue), whom he would later marry on July 26, 1980.

Doug pursued a lifelong commitment to learning and service. Earning an Associate of Arts in Business from Corning Community College (1978), a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of Central Texas (1989), a Master of Science in Operations Research and Systems Analysis at the Colorado School of Mines (1995), and a Master of Science in Military Science at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (2005).

Doug proudly served in the United States Army for 31 years, rising from a Private First Class to the rank of Colonel. His distinguished career took him across the country and abroad, with assignments in SC, GA, KY, TX, HI, CO, VA, the Pentagon, and a deployment to Iraq. Along the way, he forged enduring friendships and left a lasting impact on those with whom he served. Doug also demonstrated his commitment to service as a Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America Troop 84, providing leadership and guidance to the next generations.

Known for his quiet wit and dry humor—his quips fondly dubbed “Doug-isms” by family and friends—Doug was a thoughtful and steady presence. He was an eager accomplice in family pranks and a lover of golf. He also enjoyed reading Sci-Fi, rarely seen without a copy of Asimov’s Science Fiction in hand. In his later years, Doug and Sue enjoyed taking their RV on adventures across the U.S. and spending cherished time with their children and friends.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his children, Maria Miller (Tim Dugan) of Hampton, VA and Douglas J. Miller, Jr. (Jessica Weaver) of Newport News, VA; and his sisters, Debora Carrigan and Dianne Sisler, both of Lakeland, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Doug will be remembered for his integrity, intellect, and quiet humor—and most of all, for the love he shared with his family and friends. He leaves us with the inspiring advice to “do what it takes to get to the next level.”

A celebration of life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hampton, VA. Interment will be at the Bath National Cemetery in NY in Summer 2026.

Contributions in Doug’s memory may be made to the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center or The Doorways (MCV/VCU Hospital Hospitality House) in lieu of flowers.