Bobby Ray Miller

Services for Bobby Ray Miller, 81, of Longview, Texas are scheduled for 10:02 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2011 in the Chapel of Welch Funeral Home, 4619 Judson Road, with Mr. Rodney Cox officiating. Internment will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery under the direction of Welch Funeral Home. Mr. Miller died Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at a local medical center. Bobby was born April 11, 1930 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Harry and Elizabeth Miller. An avid sports fan growing up, he played second base for the Little Rock American Legion Doughboys while attending Little Rock (Central) High School. His team went to the finals in Los Angeles, California in 1947 and he dined with Babe Ruth. After a short stint at Little Rock Jr. College, he met his future wife Jeanne. He joined the Air Force and served four years, stationed later at Ft. Bragg, N.C. during the Korean Conflict. After his military service was completed, Bobby attended Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. After graduating, Bobby moved to Texas to work for Firestone Tire Store. For over 35 years, he owned multiple tire and automotive stores in East Texas. Bob was a member of the Elks Lodge, VFW 4002 and VFW 1183. He coached basketball and football working with young kids and then coached American Legion baseball for several years, which would give him the greatest athletic satisfaction in his life. His influence over these kids will continue beyond his passing. Survivors include his wife, Deane Miller of Kilgore; sons, Gary and Mickey Miller of Longview; daughters, Terri and Christy Miller of Longview; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Mike Hall of Carrollton; daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Ronnie Gallant of Longview; sister, Allene Woods of San Francisco; twin sister, Betty Faye Brown of Palm Desert; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Art and Marianne Eastin of Little Rock , 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne Miller; brothers Orice, Beeson and Joe "Buster" Miller; and sister, Carrie Ruth Alford.