Raymond August “Ray” Miller, affectionately known as “Wheels,” passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2025, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, at the age of 90, following a courageous battle with illness. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Ray will be remembered for his generosity, humility, sharp wit, and his unwavering devotion to family and community.
Born on May 23, 1935, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ray was the youngest of 12 children, born to a family of modest means. His mother, at age 50, gave birth to him at home–a beginning that shaped his humble approach to life and deep appreciation for hard work. At just eight years old, Ray began setting up pins at a local bowling alley, helping to support his family.
A proud graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (A Course, Class of 1953), Ray earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1968. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Dorothy A. Miller, at St. Bernadine Roman Catholic Church in Baltimore. That same year, he began service with the United States Coast Guard, continuing his commitment through an eight-year obligation. Professionally, Ray dedicated himself to Brown & Heim in Baltimore, where he worked diligently until his retirement at 65.
Ray and Dorothy raised their four children–Therese, Raymond Bruce, Michael Alan, and Bonnie–in Columbia, Maryland, where Ray’s practical ingenuity, humor, and compassion became the cornerstone of family life. A man who never backed away from a challenge, he fixed cars, built homes, and found creative ways to bring Dorothy’s ideas to life. Upon retiring, Ray moved to Bethany Beach, Delaware, where he continued his passion for building, athletics, and living life to the fullest with his wife. Dorothy pursued her passion for gardening in their retirement, and he would joke that he had become a “professional weeder.”
A talented athlete, Ray remained an avid tennis player well into his late 80s, earning a Delaware Gold Medal in mixed doubles alongside his wife. He also played baseball, softball, bowled frequently, skied with his children, and cherished adventures abroad to Australia, New Zealand, and England.
Ray’s faith guided him throughout life. He was a founding member of the Atholton Swim Club and instrumental in establishing the YMCA in Ellicott City, Maryland. A member of both the God’s Love Prayer Group in Columbia and St. Ann’s Prayer Group in Bethany Beach, Ray lived his faith through service and action.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Baltimore National Cemetery. All are welcome.
The strength of the father and husband is reflected in the eyes of his family, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Because I love you so, Time will not dim the face I love, The voice I heard each day, The many things you did for me in your own special way. All my life I will miss you, as the years come and go, but in my heart I’ll keep you–Because I love you so.
