Worthington High Schools Alumni Club - Deceased Classmates
First Name
Bob
Maiden Name
Last Name
Miller
Passing Date
10/26/2023
Class Attended
Faculty
High School
Faculty
Robert George Miller, age 82, passed away Thursday October 26, 2023. He was born April 24th, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio to the late Orla and Margaret Miller. Robert is survived by his loving wife Judith Miller, son Scott (Carey) Miller, daughter Lori Miller and grandchildren, Ellie and Weston Miller along with other dear family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Marty Miller. Bob graduated from Grandview Heights High School and then continued his education at The Ohio State University receiving a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in education. Thereafter, he began his teaching and coaching career at Groveport High School in 1965. He coached baseball, basketball, football, and golf at Groveport; even eventually serving simultaneously as both head basketball coach and football coach. He then brought his already successful coaching career to Worthington in 1983. Coach Miller stayed with the Cardinals until his retirement in 2014. During that time, he surpassed the 500-career win mark (573), won seven league titles, three district championships, along with five district runner-up finishes. He was also honored to be inducted into the OCC Hall of Fame, the District 10 Hall of Fame, and the Ohio High School Basketball Association Hall of Fame. Outside of Worthington, he also had the opportunity to coach in several all-star games, notably the Wendy's Classic, the Ohio-Kentucky All-Star Game and the District 10 All Star Game. Bob also traveled overseas to coach teams on trips to Italy, France, and Switzerland. However, with all those accomplishments and accolades, what was most important to him was the chance to develop his players into the best basketball players and students they could be; and, more importantly, to instill in them a lifetime work ethic and dedication that transcended basketball and hopefully positively impacted their lives beyond high school. Coach Miller, undoubtedly, had a love for sports. He was the consummate student in that regard. Even when watching Ohio State Football games or University of Kentucky basketball games (where his son attended) he couldn't resist grabbing his yellow legal pad and diagramming a play he had just noticed on the television. Moreover, his bookshelves were full of coaching books by the likes of Dean Smith, John Wooden, Phil Jackson, among others. He was also a loving father and grandfather who took a very active interest in all that they were involved. He would travel with Judy to Dayton to work the concessions at Lori's equestrian events, schedule batting lessons for his son with Dick Fishbaugh to prepare for the upcoming baseball season, or travel hours to watch Weston play soccer or Ellie compete in a gymnastics meet. Without a doubt, family was very important to Bob. He and Judy loved to travel and spend time with their family and friends. They even took his British mother-in-law, who somehow shared a love for the Cincinnati Reds and collecting baseball cards, to spring training one year. Bob was also blessed with a wonderful singing voice. He could frequently be overheard singing some of his favorites like the Platters and Johny Mathis. Even as his Alzheimer's disease progressed, music would always still captivate him, and he would instantly begin singing. His bright presence and many special qualities will be dearly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that instead those who wish to make donations to TWHS Rebounders to help support the basketball program that was such an important part of his life.
