Gene Miller

Bartow - Farrar Eugene "Gene" Miller, 80 passed away Friday, June 17, 2011 at his residence of heart failure. Born October 30, 1930 in Quitman, GA, Mr. Miller was the son of Mr. & Mrs. W.B. Miller, and the sixth of seven children. The Miller family moved to Tampa in 1934, and St. Petersburg in 1936. In 1940 the family moved to Bartow, buying the Lookwell Dry Cleaners. He was a graduate of Bartow Summerlin Institute, Lakeland Business Institute, Polk Community College and attended University of South Florida, Gene was a member of the U.S. Army, serving nine years in the Army Reserve. After working two years at Florida-Georgia Tractor Co, he began working for IMC Phosphate as an Accounting Clerk, retiring in 1993 as Accounting Manager after 40 years. He was a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. He was a member of the Bartow Lions Club for over 40 years, serving as Director & Treasurer. He received the Lions Melvin Jones Award for outstanding service in 2003. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Bartow, serving as Sunday School teacher for over 45 years. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1974, and served as Church Treasurer 1994-2005. He served as Sunday School Director, Church Council Member, Stewardship Committee & Lord Supper supply. He was preceded in death by his parents: William and Orrie Miller; 4 brothers: Norvelle, Bill, Earle & Richard; a sister: Margaret Tapia-Ruano. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Stewart "Marcie" Miller; son Mark Eugene Miller & wife Gina of Houston, TX; daughter Melinda Miller Griffin & husband Garry & two grandsons: Jonathan & Joshua Griffin, all Gainesville; sister, Mae Miller Chasteen of Orlando. Family will receive friends Monday, June 20, 2011, 10-11 AM at the First Baptist Church of Bartow, Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the Church. Contributions may be made to the First Baptist Food Pantry Fund, 410 E. Church St, Bartow 33830 or the National Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Ave. Miami, FL 33136-149.