Ron Miller, born April Fools Day in 1938 in Jackson County, slipped away June 29, 2012 at home with his devoted wife of 49 years beside him . Ron moved to Florida after getting sand in his shoes during a family vacation with his parents in 1959. He started in Cocoa Beach, and eventually moved to New Smyrna Beach. Here, on the beach, he met his soul mate and best friend, Diana Davis. They wed in 1963 at the First Christian Church which later joined the Congregational Church and is now the United Church of Christ.

Before Ron moved to Florida, he worked with the AMOCO Chemical Company in Seymour, Indiana. After moving to Florida, Ron worked with the Painter and Allied Trades Union for a while and helped build Walt Disney World . One of his main jobs was the construction of the Swiss Family Robinson Tree. He also worked on the Contemporary Hotel and the Monorail. He then went to work at KSC in the paint shop and later joined the newly formed High Crew. He worked heights and did the rigging for shuttle access for service and flights. He also had Red Badge Security clearance for special secret jobs and was able to see EVERY Space Shuttle shot and retired in 2009.

Ron was a car enthusiast all of his life. He loved cars and loved working on them through the years he built both show and drag cars with his 2 sons. They loved to customize cars and bikes and make them unique. Ron also loved the water and was active in any kind of water sports. He and his boys also built a jet boat that was for a while the talk of the town.

Ron was predeceased by his mother, father, and his first born son, Larry Scott Miller, who died on Mother's day in 1988. Ron is survived by his wife, Diana; his son, Landon Miller (Cherie) of New Smyrna Beach; 2 wonderful grandsons, Brandon and Logan Miller of New Smyrna Beach; his brother, John Miller (Gayle) of Orlando; nephew, Scott Miller (Jackie) of Jupiter, niece, Marybeth Miller of New York City; his sister, Marilyn Kleinmeyer of Port Orange; and nephew James Kleinmeyer (Cindy) of Maryland.

A memorial service officiated by Chaplain James Smith will be held July 14th at 11:00 at the United Church of Christ, 203 Washington Street. New Smyrna Beach. A reception will follow in the dining hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mr. Miller's name to Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Florida 32129.

Condolences may be made online at www.settlewilderfuneralhome.com