Craig A. Miller, our beloved Poopsie, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Springville, Utah, just days shy of his 75th birthday. He was born on Sept. 30, 1949, in Payson, Utah, to William Jerome and Anita Palfreyman Miller.
He married Susan Wheeler on Aug. 12, 1967. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on their 13th wedding anniversary.
Craig graduated from Springville High School in 1967. He went to work for D-Oil where he built the foundation for his strong work ethic. He later worked for Hubbs Tile and became a skilled tile setter, a talent that many homes of friends and family benefited from!
He later took a job with Williams Company, which led him and his young family to Kemmerer. Here he developed his career with Williams, dedicating 35 years, rising from a laborer to lead mechanic. It was often said he could fix anything but dinner.
Some of Craig’s hobbies included hunting, fishing and being outdoors, which led to many memorable trips to Canada and Alaska alongside his sons. These adventures forged special bonds that would last a lifetime.
He also enjoyed tending honeybees and created his own brand of Miller Honey, which he loved sharing with friends and neighbors. Craig liked the simple pleasures in life and created many lasting memories with his brothers over morning Pepsi as they tried to solve the world’s problems.
Craig especially enjoyed traveling on cruise ships! He and Susan, often with other family members, cruised to many locations around the world. Craig was an avid Detroit Red Wings hockey fan.
Craig was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent as a baptistry worker in the Provo Temple, often commenting that it was his best day of the week.
Despite a gruff voice that could sometimes intimidate those around him, Craig was a giant teddy bear. His unique form of communication, often involving grunts or gestures, fondly became known as “Craiganese,” a language only his family could expertly interpret.
Craig leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Susan Miller; his sons, Shane (Amy) Miller, Justin Miller and Jared (Shannon) Miller; and his daughter, Amanda (Travis) Dimick.
He is also survived by his brothers, Bill (Karen) Miller, Richard (Laurie) Miller, David (Karla) Wheeler, Allan (Virginia) Wheeler and Paul Wheeler; his sisters-in-law, Pat Miller and Vicki Wheeler; and his aunt, Collette Binks.
“Poopsie’s” legacy continues through his 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Miller; grandson, Braden Miller; and brothers, Doug, Kirk, Glenn, and Clark Miller.
A viewing was held on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 South, Springville, Utah. Another viewing took place on Monday, Sept. 30, at the Spring Creek South Stake Center, 350 N. 400 East, Springville, Utah, followed by a funeral service at the same location.
