Dick James Miller Jr

Dick James Miller Jr., 70, returned to his heavenly home on May 1, 2020. His devotion to his family and his belief in God supported him in his final days and gave him peace. Dick was born to the late Dick James and Alice Muriel Miller in Sioux City, Iowa on March 8, 1950. In 1962, he moved with his family to Superior, Arizona where he lived until he was drafted into the US Army in February 1968. He fought alongside his brothers and sisters in arms in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries during duty. He was discharged under honorable conditions in October 1971. Upon return from his military service, Dick settled in Phoenix, Arizona where he met Gloria Encizo of Claypool, Arizona, the mother of his three children. In 1986, they settled in Kearny, Arizona. Dick worked as a heavy duty diesel mechanic at the Asarco Ray Mine and served his community as a volunteer firefighter until his retirement in 2006. After retirement, he relocated to Miami/Globe, Arizona and soon after met his wife Florencia Kolimlim Miller. The two were married on April 28, 2010 in Butuan City, Philippines and have shared their lives making memories with their friends and family. In 2012, the two of them took an active role at Holy Angels Catholic Parish where “Kuya” (Brother) Dick would serve as a greeter for the 11:00am mass. Dick is remembered as a kind, loving, big-hearted, proud husband, father, brother, grandpa, and uncle. He never knew a stranger and was always happy to help those in need. He was most proud of his three children for their service to the military and was known for telling stories about them. Kuya Dick is survived by his wife Florencia, his sister Norma Franco of Miami, Arizona, three children, and seven grandchildren. His son Vaughn, a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy, serves in San Diego, California, and resides with his wife Jennifer, US Navy retired, and two children Kaytlynn and Noah who remember their grandfather as a guy who would do anything to get a smile out of you. His son Raymond, US Army, serves as a Command Sergeant Major for the 4th Engineer Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado. His wife Yulia and two children Dominic and Sophia remember him for his monster hugs. His daughter Pamela Spencer, former Army National Guard and resident of Tucson, Arizona and her three daughters Sydnee, Cornelia, and Raegan remember their grandfather for his love of McDonald’s. Services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Holy Angels Catholic Parish in Globe, Arizona. The viewing will be from 8:30am to 9:30am. Rosary will begin at 9:30am, and funeral mass will begin at 10:00am. The burial will be held at 11:15am at the Globe Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 concerns, in lieu of flowers, please direct all donations to Holy Angels Catholic Parish, 201 S. Broad Street, Globe, AZ 85501.