Harry Miller

Harry Lee Miller Jr., affectionately known as “Butterball”, was born May 28, 1947 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Mr. Harry Miller Sr. and Mrs. Ernestine (Thornhill) Miller.

Growing up, he was a faithful member of High Street Baptist Church where he was active in the youth department. He loved this church wholeheartedly.

He graduated from Lucy Addison High School in 1966 and relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1972. Upon arriving, he stayed with his cousin Renee and her family as he got settled. He went on to work for the Franklin County Board of MRDD for 20 years and continued serving the developmentally disabled community through the Columbus Developmental Center and in the private sector. He later worked as security at First Church of God until entering full retirement.

In December 1994, he married Cheryl Miller, his devoted wife of 30 years. Together they raised three beautiful daughters: Courtney Ann, Chelsea Renee, and Cassie Oyamma. He loved his girls deeply and cherished them wholeheartedly- always eager to brag about them and support them in every way.

He joined the First Church of God in 1991 under the leadership of Bishop Timothy J. Clarke. He often spoke fondly of his Sunday School classes lead by Mother Essie Bowman and the singles events hosted by the church (until he was married). He thoroughly enjoyed serving as security at the church and treasured the camaraderie he found among the Men of Valor.

Harry had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and loved selling suits, ties, and other clothing items and accessories at events throughout Columbus. He was a proud fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Ohio State Buckeyes and enjoyed action movies, seafood, going to the gym, and spending time with his family.

Throughout his eight-year battle with illness and the many treatments he endured, he remained in good spirits and continued to be his playful, lighthearted self with the doctors and nurses who cared for him.

Harry passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Friday, November 7, 2025.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Cheryl Miller; three daughters, Courtney (Keinan) Stewart of Savannah, Georgia, and Chelsea and Cassie Miller, both of Columbus, Ohio; his 6 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including special cousin Rev. Dr. Renee Wormack-Keels; special sister-in-law Sheila Harris; special nephews and niece Andre Wingfield, James Ford, Michael Jr., Marcus Sr., and Shayla Grace; and close friends Paul Banks, Bishop Steve Tucker, and Hazel Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ernestine Miller; his sister, Lovesta Ford, and brother-in-law, Paul Ford; his grandmother, Cassie Clara McNorton; and close friends Ray Lipscomb and Louis “Jungle” Brown.