John Melville Miller

John M. Miller, 82, of Marietta, Ohio passed away in the early hours of August 23, 2025.

Born December 4, 1942, in Marietta, John was the son of the late Gerald E. Miller and Elizabeth “Betty” Ross Miller.

A man of commitment to his country and community, John served 32 years in the United States Army. He retired as Chief Warrant Officer 2. As a small arms repair technician, John served two tours in Vietnam. During his time overseas, he ran two shops maintaining military weapons: one in Vungtau and one in Saigon. He also discovered a love of spicy cuisine and became so tolerant of the intense jungle heat that it never quite left him.

For 50 years, John worked as a Special Deputy for the Washington County Sheriff's Office. He was a founding member of the Special Response Team. He was always active and ready to examine any strange relic found throughout the area.

John was an expert marksman, serving as a member of the Fort Harmar Rifle Club. He was a member of IDPA, OGCA, NRA, and won many national matches.

A draftsman for the Ohio Department of Transportation, John was detailed and technical. He was also a humorist and the wittiest man around. His ability to know exactly when to tell a story was an art, as was his skill as a cartoonist. If one received a card with a hand drawn cartoon from John, you knew you had a treasure.

A graduate of Marietta High School and a student of the world, John was a lifelong learner. His love and dedication to studying history and the sciences took many forms including his massive book and article collection and the family’s daily weather report.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce E. Smith Miller. They were married in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 12, 1974. Two sons John P.R. (Trisha J. Walls) Miller and William G.R. (Sarah Lou) Miller, both of Marietta. One granddaughter, Zoey E. Miller and two grandsons Miles J.R. Miller and Ellis “Eli” J.R. Miller. A brother James P. Miller of Vandalia, Ohio (Carolyn Mergler).

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of the MOV in honor of John’s beloved “Rusty THE Dog” and Blessing Birds, a nonprofit group that helps students at Marietta Elementary, in honor of the love for his grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 29 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Roberts Funeral Home, 27880 State Route 7, Marietta 45750 followed by a funeral service at 1 with military honors. Burial will be at East Lawn Memorial Park. Online tributes may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com