Last updated on August 6, 2022
Dr. Frank Richard Miller had many loves – his family, his faith, his city– just to name a few. He shared a zest for life with everyone he met and a genuine curiosity in the friends yet to be made. Dr. Miller, 87, passed from this life on August 2, 2022. Frank was born in Hutchison, Kansas, to O.H. “Dick” Miller and Ed Louise Miller, on January 30, 1935. He spent his formative years in Blackwell, Oklahoma before graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1957 and Baylor College of Dentistry in 1961. Upon finishing dental school, Frank was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the US Navy to serve as a dental officer. He then completed a one-year internship of advanced training at Alameda Naval Hospital in San Francisco before reporting to the aircraft carrier, USS Ranger (CV-61) completing deployments to the eastern Pacific, including Japan and the coast of Vietnam. After a brief posting at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, he left active duty and joined the active reserves, where he continued to fill leadership roles before retiring as a Captain with 28 years of total service.
In 1965, Frank was quickly wooed by the charms of Rockwall. He established its first full-time dental practice just off the town square. Hometown has never had a truer meaning than it did to Frank. Throughout the next 50 years, he dedicated himself to making Rockwall the best city possible and was its most tireless advocate. Frank was key to the development of the community. His early commitment was exemplified by organizing and chairing the Rockwall Community Forum which led to his role as an original founder and Charter Chairman of the Rockwall County YMCA. He was Vice President and an enthusiastic member of the Rockwall Rotary Board of Directors. He understood the importance of city planning, economic development, and support for future generations. Frank was an active member of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce and the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation. He served Rockwall as a City Councilmember and three terms as Mayor from 1987 to 1993. He contributed to the betterment of young people as Vice President of the Rockwall School Board and member of the Guidance Advisory Council. He also served as the US Naval Academy Blue & Gold officer for Congressman Ralph Hall’s district, interviewing candidates for the Naval Academy.
Frank was a faithful and devoted member of First Christian Church Rockwall. Throughout the years, he served as Elder, Deacon, board member, Building Committee Chairman, Sunday School Teacher, Stephen Minister and Youth Sponsor. He has been honored as Elder Emeritus in recognition of his tireless commitment and spirit.
In his personal life, Frank was truly a positive life force. He was a mentor to many and a believer in the potential of every person. He put great value in the moments of life, big and small – especially the small daily opportunities to make others feel important and appreciated. Perhaps his philosophy is best expressed in the mission statement for his orthodontic practice: “As much as we work to create beautiful smiles, we strive to give each patient a reason to smile.”
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Greta Jane Miller; children: Valerie Oliver and husband Jim and her children: Asa Yoakam and wife Katie, Dorothy Yoakam, and Beau Yoakam; Dr. Bart Miller and his children: Wyatt Miller, Grant Miller and Josie Miller; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Miller: and Deanna Nussbaum and husband Forrest and their children: Ethan Nussbaum, Lily Nussbaum and Bowen Nussbaum; step-son: Jonathan Peck and his children: Aaron Peck and Dylan Peck; and nieces: Sheryl Hamilton and Darla Miller. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Dee Miller, brother, Jack Miller and niece, Carla Walsh.
The family sincerely appreciates American Home Care and Right at Home for adding comfort and joy to his last two years at home.
A gathering of loved ones and friends will take place on Tuesday evening, August 9, 2022, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Rest Haven Funeral Home of Rockwall. A funeral service celebrating Frank’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, beginning at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Rockwall, with Reverend Dr. Mark Irons officiating. Burial will follow the Wednesday services at Rockwall Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Rockwall, 3375 Ridge Road, Rockwall, Texas 75032
