Russell Miller Sr.

Edinburg, VA

Russell “Panama” F. Miller Sr, 84, of Edinburg, formerly of Westernport, MD, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV.

Russell was born and raised in Westernport, MD on October 4, 1929, he was the son of the late Leslie and Mary Louise (Biddle) Miller.  He was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Wanetta (Stewart) Miller, a daughter, Patty Riggins, five brothers, Alvin, Kenneth, Donald, Marvin, and Forace Miller, and two sisters, Norma Wiegratz, and Jean Taylor.

Russell served in the United States Army and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the Korean War.  He is an honorary lifetime member of the American Legion Post #24 in Frostburg.  He worked at McIntyre’s Bakery in Westernport before entering the service.  After coming home from the military he worked at the Luke Paper Mill for a short time.  He was mainly known for his demolition work at salvaging old buildings in the Westernport area, and collecting beer cans as a hobby.  He loved his grandchildren, taking vacations and going to state and national American Legion functions.  He was a former Commander of Victory Post #155 American Legion, Westernport, MD, and a member of Queens Point V.F.W., McCoole, MD.  Russell loved to have coffee at Bob Evans every morning and go to McDonalds to meet with his friends.  One of his special friends was Fred Phelps, whom he was so proud of him becoming a state trooper.  Russell always went to Bruce High School Bulldog football games.  He formerly operated Panama’s Pizza in Westernport, a taveran on Main St, Westernport, a diner in McCoole, MD, and a pool hall in Piedmont, WV.

Russell is the beloved husband of Mary Kearns-Miller of Edinburg, father of Russell Miller Jr (Karen) of Piedmont, WV, Margaret Steele (James) of North Fort Myers, FL, Robert Mike Miller of Cumberland, MD, step father to Judy Friedman of Toms Brook, VA, Richard Kearns (Oakley) of Herndon, VA, Dennis Kearns (Deigh) of Culpepper, VA, Douglas Kearns of Dale City, VA, and Cheryl Rowland of Cocoa, FL, grandfather to Scott W. Dawson III, Amy Broadwater Bush, Jessica Leonard Lemus, and Chris Miller, step grandfather to Diana Kearns, Brandon Kearns, Aaron Kearns, Ben Friedman, Brittany Rowland, Emily Lopez and Meghan Kearns, great grandfather to Scott W. Dawson IV, Dylan Michael Bittinger, Alisha Bittinger, Nathaniel Dawson, Isabelle Jack Dawson, Camden Lemus, and Alisha Miller, and great-great grandfather to Emit James Dawson.  He is also survived by his brothers, Richard Miller (Dottie) of Westernport, Clyde Miller of Westernport and a sister, Betty “Rosebud” Hartman of Westernport, and many friends and American Legion comrades

At Russell’s request his body was cremated.  Friends and family will be received at the Boal Funeral Home, Westernport, MD, on Thursday, August 21st from 6 to 8 PM.

A memorial graveside service will be conducted at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Rocky Gap, on Friday, August 22nd at 11: 00 AM, with military honors accorded by Post #13 Veterans Honor Guard.

A bereavement reception will be held following the service at the Victory Post #155 American Legion, Westernport, MD.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org.

Mr. Miller’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and volunteers at the VA hospital, Martinsburg, WV, for their loving and compassionate care and support during Russell’s long battle.

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