Troy Vernon Miller

TROY VERNON MILLER June 15, 1924 ~ November 9, 2014 "Troy was a wonderful story teller and an incredibly positive and humorous man." Troy Vernon Miller, fondly known as "Sarge," passed away on Sun., Nov. 9, 2014 at the age of 90. He was born on June 15, 1924 in Guthrie, OK to Jim and Leta Miller. He was the second of 4 children. He graduated from Guthrie High School in 1942. In 1943, Troy enlisted in the United States Army and was soon deployed to Europe during World War II. He courageously fought in the D-Day ( 1) invasions in Normandy. Upon his return to Oklahoma, he eloped and married his wife, Floy Marie, on Aug. 11, 1946 in Winfield, KS. During the Korean War, Troy enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Korea. During the escalation of the Vietnam War, he became a recruiter for the US Air Force (1965) and Troy was assigned to a recruitment post in Portland, OR. This is when he and his family moved to Vancouver, WA where he soon became the recruiter there. Troy was then called to duty to serve in the Vietnam War. During this time he was stationed in Korat, Thailand, but had missions in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. He had the highest top secret security clearance. Upon his return to Vancouver, he made the decision to retire from military service on May 31, 1970. Troy's bravery and loyalty to his country earned him two Bronze Stars for Valor as well as numerous medals and ribbons. Troy was a 60-year member of the Masonic brotherhood. He and his wife Marie owned and raced 3 prize-winning race horses. He was a four-year letter athlete in high school, a semi-pro baseball player, and all Army football player, coach and mentor for countless young athletes. Troy was a beloved supporter and avid fan of the Skyview High School football team in Vancouver, WA. If he wasn't at a high school football game, you could find him listening to Big Band and Swing music, reading the newspaper, or telling a story about his service in the military or his experiences as a young man. Troy was a talented singer as well. He loved nothing more than to see his family happy and help them whenever and however possible. Troy was a tireless supporter of Legacy High School. He was a simple man. He always had everything he desired. His love for people and their human condition was something he was passionate about. Troy helped the homeless, the unloved, the tired and unfortunate. He was rarely without an extra house guest. He fed the hungry, bought school supplies for students and books for the library. He gave tuition money, Christmas gifts, and Thanksgiving baskets. Yes, the list was immense. A loving and deeply devoted family man, Troy is survived by 3 of his 4 children, David Miller of Yangon, Myanmar, Jan Wilson (Bob) of Vancouver, WA and Doug Miller of Vancouver, WA; as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Floy Marie Miller; his daughter, Elizabeth "Libby" Miller; and his siblings, Glenn Miller, Jamie Miller, and Marilyn Chennault. His family is deeply saddened at his passing and invites you to join them to celebrate his wonderful life. Visitation will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Sun., Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Services will be held on Mon., Nov. 17, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church, 13014 NE 17th St., Vancouver, WA 98684. He will be interred with his wife at 11:30 a.m. at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR 97086. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking you to make donations in Troy's name to the following organizations: Paralyzed Veterans of America, at www.pva.org or Oregon Health Care Organization (OHCA) at www.ohca.com, 11740 SW 68th Pkwy, Ste. 250, Portland, OR 97223. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Troy Vernon Miller

June 15, 1924 - November 9, 2014