George E. Miller Jr.

Send Condolences

George E. Miller Jr.

George E. Miller Jr. 83 of Greenfield and formerly of Deerfield and Shelburne Falls died early peacefully in the morning while sleeping on July 20, 2011.

Mr. Miller was born the only child of Ruth (Batchelder) and George E. Miller Sr. in Greenfield, MA. on December 27, 1927. He was educated locally and graduated from Greenfield, High School class of 1945.

George always worked in the automotive industry. He was a mechanic, parts manager and an over the road salesman. He worked for Franklin Auto for 30 years and Hartwin Motors for fifteen years prior to retiring in 1990.

After High School George joined the Merchant Marines. He served on cargo ships that re-supplied the military and civilian vessels.

Mr. Miller took his vows to Virginia E. Jarvis on Sept. 16, 1950 in a small service in Greenfield, MA. They have been happily married for almost 61 yrs.

His greatest accomplishment was his family. He enjoyed taking the time to attend family events and host Sunday Meals at the house. He loved to tinker on cars. If it had a motor regardless of size or function he could work on it and make it go fast. George also had the acing bug. He drove competitive drag racing for 8 yrs. and was elected to the N.E. Drag Racing Hall of Fame. He also attended the first NHRA Nationals in Kansas. George also co-founded the Orange Drag Strip in Orange, MA. After his retirement he spent time in the garage working on his 1955 Austin Healy 100-4. As a time for fun the Millers would participate in car shows all over New England. In 1991 his car won second place at the National Austin Healy Club Conclave in Sturbridge, MA.. George was inducted into the Ty Rods New England Hall of Fame in 2008. He greatly enjoyed his fifty years of racing.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Virginia E. Miller of Greenfield, He also leaves his four children; Robert G. Miller and his wife Cindy of Titusville, FL., Susan A. Allen of Murfreesboro, TN., Diane E. Hastings and her husband Stephen of Greenfield and Jeffrey E. Miller and his wife Marcia of Leyden. George also leaves ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, cousins, extended family and numerous friends.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 10 to 11am. Burial will take place at a later time. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11am. all in the funeral home. Donations can be made in memory of George E. Miller to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St. Greenfield, MA. or to the Activities Dept. At Charlene Manor 130 Colrain Rd. Greenfield, MA. 01301. Services will be held at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St. Greenfield, MA.

This entry was posted in Obituaries. Bookmark the permalink.