NORWICH – Raymond L. Miller, 81, formerly of Norwich, passed away early Monday morning, Sept. 14, 2009, in the Arnot Ogden Hospital of Elmira.
The son of Lorenzo and Mabel Brown Miller, Ray was born in Sidney in June of 1928. He lived most of his life in Norwich and attended the Norwich schools. Toward the end of the Korean Conflict, Ray entered the U.S. Army and served his country in Korea until his honorable discharge, in what was known as the clean-up operation. Upon receipt of his honorable discharge, Ray returned to Norwich. He was employed by the Chenango County Highway Department for 15 years and later worked for about seven years for Opportunities for Chenango in their weatherization program. His marriage to Betty Beech Miller ended with her passing on Sept. 30, 1985, and Ray continued to live in Norwich until the early 2000s when he relocated to Elmira. An easy-going man who loved cooking for people, he would always have a meal ready if he knew you were coming. Ray also loved playing bingo and cards and enjoyed scratching off lottery tickets.
Ray is survived by his children: Cindy J. Mills, Karen Jackson and husband Stephen, Diane Shedd and husband Duane, Ray Miller and wife Kimberly, Katrina Fowlston, Kathy Brasiel, and Mark Miller, all of Norwich; by his companion of many years, Elsie Kingsbury of Elmira; by his sisters, Marion Church and husband Dudley of South New Berlin and Mildred Shepard of Norwich; and by 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Ray was predeceased by his sisters and brothers: Florence Youngs, Maggie Kelsey, Midge Wilbur, Barbara Beech, and Howard, Ira and Joe Miller.
Funeral services for Ray will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeremy Stopford, pastor of the Earlville Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the service at 11.