John Basil Miller

John Basil Miller Died Sept. 7, 2013 FREDERIC - John Basil Miller, 73, of Frederic, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born to the late Basil and Clara (Mitchell) Miller on April 11, 1940, in Lapeer, MI. He married Valerie Southwell at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grayling, MI on November 10, 1962. They lived in West Branch and Lapeer before relocating to Frederic in June 1966. John owned and operated John B. Miller Forest Products and served the residents of Frederic and Crawford County in many roles during his long-term tenure as a County Commissioner. He was a member of numerous committees including Law Enforcement, Building and Personnel, Grayling Fish Hatchery, Insurance and the State of Michigan Committee on Forestry. John was also the Board of Commissioner's representative on the Crawford-Otsego County Joint Landfill Board, where he was recognized for restructuring operations and leading a significant financial turnaround. He was hired by City Services in 1988, and continued to serve as executive director. John was well known as an involved and caring member of the community who served others by volunteering, lending a helping hand, helping people find work, or giving financial support. He was an honorary life member of the Frederic Fire Department. He loved to work with his hands and spent many hours in his garage making repairs and building woodcrafts. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family - especially his eight grandchildren. John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Valerie; and his five children; John (Dana) Miller of Frederic; Pamela (Eric) Nelson of Midland; Tamara Lynn "Lindy" (Dennis) Peterson of Roscommon; Vicki (Brian) Jacobs of Frederic; and Timothy Miller of Frederic. Also surviving are eight grandchildren Brandon, Nicholas, Spencer, Rachael, Bailey, Jacob, Hope and Logan; three step-grandchildren Isaac, Dennae and Abbi; a sister Jeanette Raymond of Flint and a brother Thomas Miller of Grayling. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Margaret Echelbarger, and brothers Bob and Larry Miller. A memorial service was held graveside at Elmwood Cemetery in Frederic, MI at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, followed by a luncheon at the Frederic Township Community Center (formerly the elementary school). Pall bearers included Brian, Brandon and Nicholas Jacobs; Eric and Jacob Nelson; Spencer and Bailey Miller; and Logan Stanaway. John was a Polio survivor and the family is encouraging donations to Easter Seals - Post-Polio Syndrome - 233 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 2400, Chicago IL 60606 or online at www.easterseals.com. Arrangements are being made by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home in Grayling. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Basil Miller, please visit our flower store.