Henry Randell Miller of Ephrata, WA

Survived by his wife of 53 years, KayLyn (Moore) Miller; son Wade (Angie) Miller; daughter Erika (Bryan) Ribble; nine grandchildren (Austin, AdriAnna, Kaedon, Bodhi, AdeLyn, Paisley, Trinity, Tucker and Destiny); one great-granddaughter (Scout); and two sisters (Christine Hooyer and Pam Mortisen). His parents (Henry D. and Lorraine Miller) along with his older brother (Larry D. Miller) all preceded him in death.

Randy, as his friends called him, was born in Fresno, California but grew up in Quincy, where he graduated and eventually met and married his love, KayLyn. After a short time in Sitka, Alaska, they returned to Washington. Throughout their early years, they lived in New Mexico, Utah and Colorado as well, but returned to Washington state and eventually settled in Ephrata. There they built a home, became members of the Ephrata Church of Christ and raised their children as well as cattle, emus, rabbits and other livestock. 

Randy owned and operated Precision Ground Applicator for years, but at the time of his retirement in 2015, he had settled into the role of Big Bend Community College CDL Instructor. Over his lifetime, he served 6 years in the Army National Guard and had experience in so many different fields (personal and professional). He was the epitome of “Jack of All Trades.” Farmer, rancher, mechanic, welder, pilot, commercial truck driver, scuba diver, electrician, construction worker, carpenter/builder, landscaper, meat cutter, artist, musician/singer, expert rifleman, sharpshooter, quick draw shooter, hunter, fisherman, amateur boxer, educator/instructor, manager, business owner, pesticide application expert…

Dad, as Wade and I called him, will be missed tremendously. As his kids, we got to experience his warmth, his sense of humor, his selfless heart and sacrificial love. My brother and I always knew we were loved, safe and cared for. No matter our circumstances, his presence was solid. Dad also had a love for animals, history, science, nature, hunting, fishing, gardening (more like a small farm), chocolate, John Wayne movies and Louis L’Amour novels. As much as he loved being “Dad” and even “Uncle,” the role of “Grandpa” was probably his favorite season of life. His grandchildren and great-grandbaby were the joy of his later years. Dad leaves behind a legacy of integrity, grit, strength, sacrifice, hard work and love for family and Jesus. 

If you knew our dad, you understood that he kept his word and his handshake was as good as a promise. You knew he was not afraid to speak what was on his mind; right was right and wrong was wrong and he lived his life in such a way you had no doubt what he stood for. He was a truly honorable man. His presence is still felt in our lives and although his hearty laugh no longer rings in our ears, our hearts are full. 

Until we see you again Dad…