David "Dave" Lynn Miller, Sr.

On Wednesday, February, 26, 2020, Dave Miller, loving husband, Dad, and Papa, departed this earthly life at the age of 70. He was born May 27, 1949 in Dallas, Texas to JW and Lorene Davis Miller. He spent his early years in Dallas and McKinney, until his parents purchased a farm in Collin County near Princeton when he was 7 years old. Dave would raise his family on the same land and lived there until late 2019, when he and Joni moved "down the road" to McKinney to live with some of their treasured grandkids (and the grandkids' parents).

He attended school in Princeton and graduated in 1967. He was handsome, witty, and funny and was voted "best all-around" in his class (which he reminded us of). Dave learned farming and was a hard worker from an early age. He carried this work ethic with him through his many years of working as a machinist and shop foreman. In his long career, he worked for (and retired from) Fisher Controls, Elfab, Overland Bolling, and was owner-operator of Miller Tooling.

On Feb 25, 1977, he met Joan Hammond on a blind date. A whirlwind romance, they married a year later on Feb. 3, 1978 and loved each other through the ups and downs of life over the next 42 years. They entered the marriage a blended family, each having sons from previous marriages: Dave with David Jr. and Joan with Kipper. Two additional children were added to the rowdy bunch, Dustin and Jamie, and their family was complete. Dave often worked overnight hours, but always made time to be there for his family and coached many years of little league. Many times leaving the game field and heading to work his overnight shift. He found great joy in music of all genres and decades, and shared this with his children. Making sure they knew everything from Cream, Sir Elton John, and The Beatles to Roy Rogers, Willie Nelson, and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. He was also an avid reader: Louis L'Amour, retired textbooks, or whatever he came across at the local thrift store; he was rarely without a book nearby. He loved learning new things; an autodidact, there was never a problem he couldn't fix or solve. He was a wealth of knowledge on history, government, sports, poker, and good steak or enchiladas.

After a stroke at a far too early age, Dave's body wasn't able to keep the pace he had set, but his mind was sharp as a tack and he delved even further into reading and learning new things. His newfound retirement left him with time on his hands. He was a self-proclaimed poker master, and often made "contributions" to the casinos in Oklahoma. He was an enthusiastic food connoisseur, especially if the restaurant had a coupon in the ad-saver, and he could tell you who had the best sale on "cokes" (including his favorite- Dr. Pepper) in a 20 mile radius. He found joy in "harassing" his wife, kids, and, well, pretty much anyone he came into contact with. He had the wittiest comments and comebacks, and could deliver a line like no other. He was loving, sentimental, caring, and supportive. He could also be grumpy, and ornery, and just plain hard-headed and stubborn (traits that he may have passed on to his sons, but NOT his daughter). Most importantly, he was always himself, and we loved him for it.

Dave was such a great Dad, he could not stay in "retirement" long, and so he began his second and most rewarding career as: World's Best Papa. He loved his grandkids and always made time to show them. He made up songs for them and was known to sing them to sleep at naptimes, sad times, or just anytime. He shared with them his love of books, local sports teams (especially the Rangers), and sweets. He ALWAYS had candy in his pocket and his nightstand (Yes, Dad. The secret stash wasn't so secret), and he loved giving BEFORE breakfast and dinner treats. He picked up the kids in "Papa's school bus" for a standing Wednesday lunch date, where he taught them the finest things in life weren't just the $5 meals with ice-cream from DQ, but time with the ones you loved. His favorite recliner that was made for a single person, somehow always had room for 4 at storytime or bedtime. He shared joy in school achievements, birthdays, holidays, play-doh creations, messy drawings and even potty training. He shed tears for boo-boos, broken arms, and broken hearts. He took his Papa role very seriously, and in true Dave fashion, gave it everything he had and excelled.

Dave always said he was a lucky man, rich where it mattered most - in love, family, and friends. The absence of his body in our day to day lives leaves an immense void, but the presence of his spirit and love, and all the memories we are blessed to have of him will carry us through until we meet again. (Dad- I know if the Rangers finally win a series, you were able to pull those strings.)

Those carrying on Dave's legacy are: the love of his life, Joni; sons, David (Brandi) Miller Jr. and Dustin Miller; daughter, Jamie (Tommy) Lopez; grandchildren:Jason, David, Micheal, Kolton, Kellen, Kaeson, Hudson, Jacob, Mia, Adrian, Juliana, Christian, and Gideon; great grandchildren: Riley, Jettson, Zola, Bella, Laila, David, and Dallas; brother- Barry (Betsy) Miller; and numerous other family and friends.

He was welcomed into his eternal home by his parents: JW and Lorene Miller; brother, Danny Miller; son, Kipper Rollins; and granddaughter, Lucia Lopez.

The family will receive visitors for an Afternoon of Remembrance on Saturday, March 7th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Allen Family Funeral Options: 2112 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75023. This will be a casual gathering to share memories and laughter. Boots and jeans, rangers gear, or even a famous Dave pocket t-shirt are welcomed. Come as you as are most comfortable.