Raymond Kyle Miller

A bright and beautiful light has gone out for the last time.
On Thursday, October 29, 2020, our dear friend, son, and brother,
Ray Miller, was tragically and suddenly ripped from our lives. He
collapsed during his usual early-morning exercise routine. There are no
words for this grief, and the anguish is more than any of us can bear
alone. Nothing will ever fill the gaping hole this has left in our hearts.
Ray had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and the most pure,
innocent, and joyful smile imaginable. He smiled often, and nobody who
saw that smile could fail to be touched by it. He could find joy and
light even in the darkest of places, and that joy was infectious.
Ray was amazingly creative. From a young age, he brought so much
color, beauty, and joy into the world through his art, his knack for
story-telling, and the unique and boundless imagination that manifested
in all he did. He spent countless hours breathing life into his
creations, giving the rest of us a chance to catch a glimpse of the
beauty he saw all around him.
Above all, Ray was a force for good in a cruel world. He was
honest, kind, and trustworthy. He loved all living creatures, with a
particular fondness for rabbits. He was a champion for the marginalized,
a friend to the oppressed, and a comfort to those in need of comforting.
He treated everyone with respect and dignity, and would listen without
judgment to anyone who needed a friendly ear.
Ray was passionate about making the world a better place for
everyone, and he gave freely of his time and resources. From early
childhood, he put others before himself. Many know Ray as the kind and
charming host who welcomed everyone into our home. Ray also worked
behind the scenes, weighing group dynamics and trying to make sure
everyone felt comfortable, seen, and heard. He was tactful and
diplomatic and always handled himself with thoughtfulness, grace, and
elegance.
Ray had an incredible way with children. He always seemed to know
the right thing to say and do. His patience was near-unlimited, and he
was a friend and role model to many. He had a gift for nurturing others,
and he truly brought out the best qualities in everyone.
Reflecting on Ray’s life inspires all of us in his family to be
better, to give more freely, to love more selflessly, to continue his
legacy in whatever small way we can.  The 25 years we had with him were
a gift and a blessing. If only we could have more.
We take some small comfort in the knowledge that Ray was in a good
place when he died. He had grown from a bright-eyed, smiley little kid
who wanted to befriend everyone at the grocery store, into a
wise-beyond-his-years, incredibly mature young man who brought so much
joy into the lives of everyone around him.
Ray, we love you, we're so proud of you, and we admire you so much.
These words are inadequate to express what you mean to us and so many
others who knew you. We would give anything to have you back.

There were many causes near to Ray's heart.  People who wish to
memorialize him might consider donations to the Environmental Defense
Fund or the Equal Justice Initiative.

--Robert & Mary Ann Miller; Benjamin, Nolan and Rebekah Miller