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Obituary for Gary Wayne "Sam" Miller
Gary Wayne “Sam” Miller, age 80, of Dover, Ohio, died Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at his home. He was born December 11, 1934, in New Philadelphia, son of the late Charles F. Miller and Mary McMillen Slates. He was a 1953 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, and a member of its beloved 1950 undefeated, state-ranked football team. He graduated from Muskingum College where he earned a degree in education. He later earned his master’s degree in counseling. Sam began his career as a teacher with Coshocton City Schools, followed by several years at New Philadelphia City Schools and Mansfield City Schools. He returned to New Philadelphia where he played football as a student, and returned as assistant and later head football coach for the Quakers. He retired as a guidance counselor from Buckeye Joint Vocational School in New Philadelphia. Sam was inducted into the NPHS Athletic Hall of Fame, and he received the Retired Educator Award from the Quaker Foundation in 2008. He loved fishing, especially with his dear friend and fellow coach, the late Al Dunn, and he enjoyed watching sports. He loved his family, and spending time with those he loved.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Lanny Miller; and one step-son, Jeffrey J. Cooper.
Surviving are his wife, Numa Dale “Peeper” Cooper Miller, whom he married May 18, 1991; two daughters, Crystal (Keith) Crawshaw and Dani L. Miller, both of Dover; one step-daughter, Robin (Ken) Perkins of Caldwell; one step-daughter-in-law, Traci Cooper of Loudonville; one brother, Dan Miller of Dover; 3 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and many friends.
A private service will be observed by the family, and inurnment will be in East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Quaker Foundation, 124 North Broadway, P.O. Box 627, New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663. McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, is caring for the family.
