Wayne Thomas Miller, 83, beloved husband, brother and friend, passed away peacefully in Washington City, Utah on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at home with his wife Mary and his beloved pets with the strong support of IHC Hospice and many wonderful friends.
He was born on Jan. 30, 1941, to loving parents Mary Helen MacDonald and Donald P Miller in Detroit, Michigan.
Wayne grew up on a farm in Richmond, Michigan, about 30 miles from Detroit. He was raised by his sister Lois and her husband Walt his last four years of high school after the early death of his parents. He is survived by his sisters Pat Conger, Jean O’Brien and Mary (Rick) Bodnar and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-LuAnn Klein, brothers-in-laws John (Jo Ann) Klein, Ed Klein and Robert Klein and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps’ Third Battalion Fifth Marines and proceeded to complete his formal education at USC for his MBA. This helped shape him into a successful businessman and real estate agent for 50 years in Las Vegas, Nevada. He owned and managed his own commercial and industrial real estate firm.
Wayne’s community service has included serving on many state and local boards and organizations including five years as an arbitrator for the State Bar Fee Dispute community. He volunteered for Hospice for over 25 years.
He and his wife Mary shared over 33 years together … traveling the world and also visiting more than 54 of the 63 national parks. He enjoyed reading and continual learning as evidenced by his extensive library and the multiple newspapers he read daily. His love for his rescued pets was unwavering. He had an infectious smile, brought laughter and smiles wherever he went along with a great disposition.
They lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, Napa, California, and retired in 2006 in Washington City, Utah. He loved the Southwest, especially the Grand Canyon (which he hiked over 30 times). He also loved Zion National Park and Springdale, Utah, where they owned a second home for 19 years.
Wayne loved travel, education and family. He lived with a great sense of adventure. He lived a life of grace, gratitude, love and humor.
Wayne was a member of Center for Spiritual Living, St. George.