Obituary: Ennis Brewster Miller Sr.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ennis Brewster Miller Sr., age 99, who passed away on March 12, 2026. 

Ennis Sr. was born and raised in Oxford where he proudly lived his last months. 

Born to the late Simon and Lazelle (Jones) Miller on June 30, 1926, he was the youngest of his siblings, William “Robert” Miller, Arthur “Buddy” Miller, “Katherine” Margaret (Miller) Bradley. The family thrived by working at Miami University, as well as farming, something Ennis Sr. took pride in.

A proud veteran, Ennis Sr. began his military career at the end of World War II, serving through the Korean war, and ending his service after serving time in the Vietnam war. After 22 years of honorable service, he retired from the Army with multiple accommodations including the Bronze Star with Valor. Ennis Sr. would talk about his experience in Nuremberg, Germany policing detainees from WWII or how his troop opened the 1st POW camp in Korea. Ennis Sr. began his Army career as military police, went on to work in Missiles and ended his career working the tug boats. 

Ennis Sr. took his electrical training and skills learned in the Army, putting them to use at Diebold Inc. installing bank equipment at many of the local banks in and around Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Once Ennis Sr. retired from Diebold, he went into business for himself, contracting those same services and skills he mastered at Diebold, before retiring once more. In retirement, Ennis Sr. spent many years dedicating himself to community service, serving as treasurer and as president of the NAACP, becoming a lifetime member. Ennis Sr. gave time to the A.M.E. church, singing in the choir and as an usher, and helping out many elders doing handyman work. 

Ennis Sr. and his wife, LaVerne moved to Arizona in 2003 where he continued dedicating time to community service including volunteering at the local hospital, teaching youth to fish, working with the armed forces support group and becoming a lifetime member of the VFW. His passion for helping others brought so much light to his community. Ennis Sr. was privileged to go on an honor flight and was very proud of his journey.   

He had a zest for life – he loved fishing, hunting for mushrooms, sharing stories from his rich experiences and entertaining those around him.

Ennis Sr. leaves behind his wife, LaVerne (Carter) Miller, his eight children: Bruce Miller Sr., Carol (Miller) Johnson, Ennis Miller Jr., Gale Miller, Leslie (Miller) Jackson, Anne Mitchell, Gwen Miller and Heather (Miller) Booker. He was also a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and had the joy of witnessing the lives of 32 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. 

He is remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends who were touched by his kindness and spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings and sibling in-laws. Ennis Sr. was very proud of his family, his heritage and his development in Oxford, Ohio.   

This obituary has been edited for length and was originally published by Paul R. Young Funeral Home.