C. 'Gene' Miller

TRAVERSE CITY — Clyde Eugene "Gene" Miller, 81, of Traverse City, died Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City.Gene was born Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1930, to the late Verna Alexandra (Collins) and Clyde Beechan Miller. On Sunday, Dec. 24, 1950, Gene married the former Betty Ellen White at First Presbyterian Church of Allegan. Gene served our country as a member of the U. S. Navy during the Korean War.A partner in Miller Brothers and Chairman of Eagle Investments, Gene served on the Board of Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, for 20 years. He was past chairman of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association; served on the board of The Independent Petroleum Association of America; had been a member of the Rotary Club of Traverse City; and was a member of Bible Baptist Church and formerly Naples Baptist Church in Naples, Fla.Gene was an avid pilot; enjoyed playing golf and tennis; hunting and fishing; and was the proud owner of two National Champion Arabian Reining horses.Gene is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty; his children, Kelly Eugene (Debra) Miller, of Traverse City, David Arthur (Kellie) Miller, of Mattawan, Daniel Robert (Maris) Miller, of Traverse City, and Sue Ellen (Douglas) Bell, also of Traverse City. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Adam (Kristin) Miller and Chad (Megan) Miller, all of Traverse City, Laura Kelly (Mark) Abdon and Marisa (Matthew) Yeiter, all of Indianapolis, A. J. Miller, Jordan Miller, Hunter Miller, Lerran Miller and Carter Miller, all of Mattawan, Jacob Miller, of Kalamazoo, Daniel "Beechie" Miller, of California, Travis (Bekah) Bell, of Orrville, Ohio, Kate Bell, of Ypsilanti, Lucas Bell, currently serving with the U. S. Navy; and his great-grandchildren, Austin, Abigail and Clayton Miller and Gryphon Bell. Gene's siblings, Joan (Emery) Johnson, of Holland, Charles "John" (Reva) Miller, of Marco Island, Fla., and Janis (Dale) Orr, of Allegan, also survive.Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Carl; and his brother and wife, Harry "Jack" and Phyllis Miller.Visitation for Gene will take place from 6 until 9 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Road, Traverse City.Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, June 4, with visitation from 11 a.m. until funeral services begin at the church. Pastor Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will be in Peninsula Township Cemetery.For a more lasting memorial and tribute to Gene, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Cedarville University, Advancement Office, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314, www.cedarville.edu; Traverse City Christian Schools Development Office, 753 Emerson Rd., Traverse City, MI 49696, www.tcchristianschools.org; Heritage Christian Academy, 6312 Quail Run Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, www.hcaeagles.org; or to Cornerstone University Development Office, 1001 E. Beltline Ave, N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525-5897, www.cornerstone.edu.Please share your thoughts and condolences with Gene's family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.