Charles Miller

Aka Charlie, Uncle Bump, Chaz (never Chuck). A few called him Babes, Papa, Poppy, Dad.

He was known in his younger days for the thunder of the football field – a powerful presence with a tackle that could rattle bones and a speed on the track that left others in the dust. But those that knew him best understood that his real legacy, his deepest and most enduring legacy, was not forged on the field. It is his children.

Charles loved sunflowers, open windows, and the feel of the wind. His Grandma Laura Lockett taught him how to cook with love. He believed in preparing food with intention and loved seeing people’s faces light up when his cooking hit their tastebuds. Often his family woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs. His children and neighbor loved his homemade chicken nuggets.

Charles was an oxymoron – patient and impatient, strong and tender, stubborn and kind, gruff and loving, full of emotion and life all at once. People knew when he entered a room. He could sometimes come across as arrogant, but this was the same man who cried during movies, stayed up all night walking a fussy infant, wept over a hurt dog, and took in animals that a needed home. He had an expressive smile the kind where you could barely tell if his eyes were open, paired with a loud, distinctive laugh. Car rides with Charles - You would look over and knew he was about ready to start embracing a song. His shoulders would hit first to the music, followed by that smooth movement of his head as he vibe to the beat. One of his favorite songs was “I Hope you Dance,” a perfect reflection of the hope he kept alive for himself and his family, even in the hardest circumstances.

For many years he worked with boundless energy. Sometimes you would hear him whistling and know exactly here to find him – deep in one of his many projects. He had a sharp eye for fashion. He was an artist at heart, painting vibrating flowers, moons, and blended colors across walls and furniture, creating bright room that reflected his own vibrant spirit. An excellent writer and the best storyteller, always had a tale ready to make everyone laugh or leave them with a “what the heck” moment. His bedtime stories, told with every voice mastered, were pure magic. He enjoyed Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings, Moby Dick, Plato, Mickey Mouse, Looney Tunes, Teen Titans Go, the Minions and more. He loved teaching and showing others his way. He would help friends and strangers. He loved making holidays special – managing backyard firework displays, carving pumpkins, tracking down Christmas lights, and ensuring the tree was covered in bright colors, just like him. He was always ready to buy or make the kids something that would make them smile – the sandbox, backyard pool, the match box car, juice, the Lego set.

Born to Anna Pearl Lockett Miller and William Matthew Miller Sr. on August 2, 1953, Charles left this earth on Sunday morning, June 28, 2026. Gone from this earth but never forgotten, he joins many loved ones – both people and beloved pets = who passed on before him. Though hearts here ache with grief, many also sense Charles’ gentle presence still moving through their lives, like a familiar breeze on the wind he so dearly loved.

Even health clouded his days, he found ways to rise and enjoy life, gifting himself and those around him the capacity to feel pleasure in difficult times. In the nursing home, his charm endured, and he was still making jokes with a goofy smile and a twinkling eye. He understood that life isn’t easy, but the little things we often overlook – perfectly made sandwiches, late-night comfort meals, weekend grills, perfectly iced drinks or steeped tea, shared music, snuggles, and holding hands were actually magnificent things.

Flowers aren't needed. Instead, we hope that you will consider taking a moment to be gently kind to yourself or extend that kindness to others around you. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.domicofh.com.