Patrick H. Miller

Patrick Henry Miller, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend, passed away July 15, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Hymes Miller and Mary Miles-Miller, and 10 siblings William Miller “Bill”, Lehester Miller, Eleanor Connors “Sis”, Leo Joseph Miller “Bud”, Joseph Hymes Miller Jr “Hymes”, Reasie Miller-Jones, James Ralph Miller “Buddy”, John Miller “Little”, Andrew Theodore Miller “Andy”, Patricia Ann Miller-Slaughter “Patsy”. Other very close relatives preceding him include Leo Miller Junior, Jeanine Kay Williams, Rebecca Miller, Franky Jones, and Jade Johnson. He is survived by his older sister, Mary Darling Madison “Baby”, wife Francine Miler, daughters Saidia Ahalelyah Bafford (Yahel Bafford), Aisha Carraquillo (Joseph Carrasquillo), and Lateefah Miller (Davior Pinney), grandsons Patrick J. Miller (Courtney Miller), Khalid Ahmed, Olushola Mohibi, Jacob Carrasquillo, Alexander Linton, Quincy Miller, Alexander Linton Jr, and Amari Linton. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews and cousins Jackie Russell, Dorothy “Dot” Howell, Claude Madison and Claudette Perry, Rodney and Glenda Jones, Paulette McGee, Joyce Evans, Michelle Thomas, Damont Miller, Sherry Williams “Dimples”, Tyrone Williams, Deatra Kay Williams, Shaundolyn Slaughter, Jay Slaughter, Michael Slaughter, Tiara Blackman. There is a great host of remaining cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whom he loved very much. 

Early Life

Patrick Henry Miller was born just minutes before his twin Patricia Ann on January 22, 1945, in Alton, Illinois, to Joseph Hymes Miller and Mary Miles Miller. He was born the 11th child of 12. He attended Alton Senior High School in Alton, IL, and furthered his education in the Navy and at Compton Junior College in Compton, CA where he met his beautiful bride, Francine.

Career and Accomplishments

Patrick proudly served in the Navy and received an honorable discharge. He worked for BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) as an electronics technician and engineer. He then found his passion in antique furniture restoration, and in his later years, was associated with Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, where he continued to share his love for nature and gardening.

Volunteer Work and Hobbies: Patrick was an avid golfer, fisherman, and had a deep knowledge and love for gardening. His appreciation for jazz music was well-known, and in his younger years, he was an excellent chess player and enthusiastic runner.

Challenges and Triumphs: Patrick lost both of his parents at a very young age and was blessed to have his many older siblings watching over him, especially Reasie and her husband Eugene Ivory Jones, who took in Patrick and Patricia to raise with their own children. His siblings were his biggest influence. They were his source of love, encouragement, and correction when needed (which was often).

One of Patrick's significant life challenges was his resolve to never attend church. However, on October 2, 2022, he attended his great-grandson's dedication at Encounter Church in San Leandro, California, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Family and Personal Life: Patrick married Francine Nelson Miller on September 27, 1971. Together, they raised three daughters: Saidia Miller (Ahalelyah Bafford), Aisha Miller (Aisha Carrasquillo), and Lateefah Miller. He was a proud grandfather to Patrick J. Miller, Alexander Linton, Khalid Ahmed (Yichiel), Olushola Mohibi, and Jacob Carrasquillo. He was also a great-grandfather to Quincy Miller, Alexander Linton Jr, and Amari Linton. His closeness to family made all relatives feel like part of his immediate family. He drew family close and kept everyone together. 

Memorable Traits and Stories: Patrick learned to cook and bake from his sister, Reasie, who taught him very well. Always learning, he continued adding to his cooking skills to include foods he became renowned for such as banana pudding, gumbo, chili, and many grilled and smoked meats. He loved spending time with family and would often take carloads of children to a beach or park to spend the day. Friends and family would often gather around him, especially when he was cooking or grilling. As much as he enjoyed learning, he also enjoyed sharing the knowledge he had to the next generations. 

Patrick was known for his strong will and his remarkable ability to overcome life’s hurdles. He was determined, clever, sociable, outgoing, and witty. Despite being denied the opportunity to play football in high school due to his "long neck," he never let that stop him from excelling in other areas. A talented boxer during his Navy days, he was also a prize street fighter, renowned for his lightning-fast fists. His journey to getting and staying clean and sober was a testament to his resilience. He is finally now reunited with his beloved childhood dog that heroically saved his life by dragging him up the stairs and outside from the basement when a fire that he started quickly spread and rendered him unconscious.

Funeral and Memorial Information A memorial service will be held at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203, on August 10, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM. 

Expressions of Gratitude: The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Botanica, for allowing them to memorialize Patrick in such a beautiful place which he loved. Patrick Henry Miller will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of strength, love, and perseverance will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to Botanica or VFW will be greatly appreciated. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.