Obituary of Dwight B. Miller

Dwight B. Miller of Boone, N.C., beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on June 19, 2011, at home with his family around him. He was born in Troy, Ohio, on July 18, 1936, the oldest son of Robert S. and Katharine B. Miller. He is survived by his wife, Susan, daughters Leslie Elizabeth Waslo, Michelle Suzanne Ruckstuhl, and son Gordon William Rapp. He leaves nine grandchildren -- Zachary, Hannah and Davey Rapp; Nicholas, Gregory and Nathan Waslo; Laney, Ethan and Chaz Ruckstuhl and one great-grandchild, Conlee Rapp. He is also survived by his brother, Marshall Gibbs Miller of Meadville, PA. Dwight was graduated from the University of Colorado in 1958 with a degree in journalism. He worked at the Troy Daily News as a writer and photographer, before and after graduation, and later as editor of the New Carlisle Sun. He won journalism awards from the Ohio Newspaper Association in 1970 for his series and feature articles. He had an extensive career in national advertising agencies, as both writer and photographer, and eventually became a freelance talent in public relations, advertising and media Among Dwight\'s many achievements was earning his private pilot\'s license and flying his airplane for aerial photography assignments; he was an accomplished sailor, and spent many happy hours with his family both in the air and on the water. He was a magnet for young people who shared hours of discussion in the Big Things in Life. Dwight made friends wherever he went; shared stories of flying, sailing and photography with friends and acquaintances. His family says of him that he never met a stranger. He was a musician and singer; he entertained himself and others playing trumpet, guitar and banjo. He studied drawing and painting, expressing his view of the world through shape and color. A celebration of Dwight\'s life will be held in late July in Boone. Details will come later. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made in Dwight\'s name to the Hunger Coalition or the Community Care Clinic in Boone, N.C. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin and Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.