Rodney Miller

Rodney Wayne Miller

April 2, 1956 - October 10, 2021

Rodney Wayne Miller was a loving son, brother and friend who passed away unexpectedly at home on October 10, 2021 and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Rod was the second eldest of Percy and Joan Miller’s five children and grew up in Roswell after the family settled there during his father’s deployment to Vietnam. Rod attended Yucca Middle School and graduated from Roswell High School in 1974.  Rod made a name for himself as the starting center for both schools’ football teams even though he weighed only 160 pounds at his peak.  In Rod’s final season, the Roswell High School Coyotes went 9-2, losing only to Clovis and Hobbs.

After graduation, Rod became a long-haul truck driver, transporting hay and cattle across the country.  He was also well-known for being an avid fan of Alabama Crimson Tide, a passion he shared with his favorite former coach, A.J. Brown.  Rod could talk all day about his beloved team, citing statistics and team strategy only the most passionate Bama fan would know.  Roll Tide!

Among Rod’s most special relationships were those with the youngest members of his family and the children of close friends. His unique ability to connect and talk with them earned him the nickname “Uncle Rod.”

One of Rod’s most bittersweet roles was as a caretaker for his beloved mother, Joan.  He bravely did everything he could to ease her journey during her years-long battle with cancer. As members of Roswell’s Church of Christ, both found comfort in their shared faith.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Joan Miller.  He is survived by his four siblings Kay Lykins, Shari Higgs and husband David, James Miller and wife Melanie, and Tim Miller and wife Suzy. He will also be remembered by nephews and nieces Chris Lykins, Shari Lykins, Sam and Abby Higgs, and Xander Miller and other extended family. Among those who will miss Uncle Rod are his grand nephews, Christian and Caden Acosta. Special friends include Art Torres, Emma Burt, Joshua Anderson, Gary Mendiola and Beth Keenan.

Family and friends invite you to share your memories of Rod at a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 1720 N. Montana, Roswell.  If you are unable to attend but would like to send remembrances go to ballardfuneralhome.com or mail to Ballard Funeral Home at 910 South Main St., Roswell, NM 88203.