Craig Lynn Miller

Craig Lynn Miller, 79, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away August 5, 2022 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center. Craig lived an incredibly full and well-rounded life. He departed this life quickly and peacefully, surrounded by family.

Born to Wilbur and Clara (Wetkowski) Miller on March 30, 1943, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Craig graduated Berrien Springs High School in 1961. After graduation, he relocated to Florida to live it up before returning to Michigan, where he met and married his wife and partner of 55 years, Elizabeth (Libby) nee Smith.

The oldest of seven siblings, Craig assumed much responsibility for their wellbeing. He was a loving mentor and friend, and maintained a close relationship with his brothers his entire life. A keen storyteller and lover of life, his enthusiasm made him many friends over the years.

Craig and his best friends, Jeff and Bobby Porter, founded Miller-Porter Brothers in the early 1970s and operated two service stations, a fire restoration business, and a foam insulation company. After the service stations closed, Craig transitioned to sales of roofing materials. In his second career, he traveled extensively throughout the country until his retirement in 2012.

Keenly intelligent and curious, Craig was an avid hobbyist with varied interests. Over the years he built his own dune buggy, obtained his pilot’s license and flew his vintage airplane, fished, dove, waterskied, crafted furniture, and restored cars, to name only of few of his pastimes. In later years, he and his wife immensely enjoyed long road trips and train travel, visiting several national parks and other points of interest. Craig read extensively and was a lifelong learner. He enjoyed DIY projects, and constantly made improvements to his home, the largest of which was a workshop space and a four-car garage for the fleet of vehicles upon which he loved to tinker. He completed his last home project the day of his final hospitalization.

Dissatisfied with available house plans, he drafted his own blueprints and served as the general contractor to the home he constructed for his growing family. He was a loving and good-humored husband and father of three, always ready to throw a softball, play a game, or fix a bicycle. When his grandchildren were young, he installed a swimming pool to ensure frequent visits.

Craig is survived by his wife, daughter Laura Smith and her husband, Lieutenant General Kirk (of Stuttgart, Germany), son Scott Miller (of Berrien Springs), daughter Suzanne Miller-Bobbick and her husband, Michael Bobbick (of Denali National Park, Alaska). He was a doting grandfather to Daniel and Katherine Smith. His surviving siblings are Mary (Jesse) Marquette of Florida, Rob (Susan) Stafford of Colorado, PJ Stafford of Florida, and Bruce (Patty) Stafford of California. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Penny (Walter) Nolin and Wendy Neal, both of Florida.

Soft-hearted toward stray animals, who often found their way into the Miller home, Craig requested any memorial donations be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. No memorial or funeral service will be held; as per Craig’s wishes, a private memorial in celebration of his life will take place in the fall.

Allred Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

He was a person of aspirations
And a man of great plans
He made them come true
With the skill in his hands

It wasn’t the goal
But the journey was prime
And he took many journeys
During his time