Donald R Miller

Donald R. (Donnie) Miller, died unexpectedly on April 14, 2026 at his home in Oxford, MS. He was 67 and happily retired from a highly successful career in retail food sales management.

A man of action rather than mere words, he was the foundation of a true, firm and gentle spirit, who loved all people equally, held them to an equal standard, and where an equal participation was expected. Always with a smile on his face, he was a gregarious person that loved to laugh and would never fail to make others laugh along with him. And when life needed a reset, he would simply play a round of golf with his friends because the company and joy of family and friends were the bedrock of his life.

He was born on February 20, 1959 in Sycamore, IL to the late Sandra Hill Miller and the late Donald R. Pearson. His life soon changed, along with the rest of his family, to one of unmeasurable opportunity when his mother married the late Linwood Graham Miller of Holly Springs, MS in 1962. It was here that Donnie grew up surrounded by not only love, but a tradition of southern grace and dignity – a charge he carried lifelong with pride and unwavering devotion for his adoptive Father.

He graduated from Marshall Academy in 1977 and then from the University of Mississippi, where he played as a place kicker for the Ole Miss Rebels, in 1981 with a BA in Business. In 1985, he married the absolute love of his life, Lisa Blackman, of East Prairie, MO and soon settled in Collierville, TN where they would raise a family. Donnie worked for several major food companies during a distinguished career before resettling in Oxford, MS and retiring to focus on the newest obsession in his life, that of a grandson, Ben who loved his “Chubbs”.

In his spare time, he coached his children through whatever sport they played, loved to play golf including several trips abroad to play in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and most recently a trip to Scottsdale, AZ. He also loved his trips to Disneyworld. But he was truly happiest at his beloved place at Pickwick, whether it be sitting on the deck at the end of the day and experiencing the golden hour, or hosting an annual Kentucky Derby party. Nothing could satisfy him more than just sitting on a porch and watching the world go by.

His passing leaves a great void in the lives of his family and his friends, and everyone whose life and soul he managed to touch.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lisa Miller; daughter, Ann Elizabeth Sutherland (Brent); son, Joseph Miller; grandson, Benjamin (Ben) Sutherland; sister, Mindy Gresham (Steve – a life long best friend); brothers, Mark Miller (Jennifer) and Joey Miller; 9 nieces and nephews; a host of great nieces and nephews; mother in law, Joan Winchester Pearson; and brothers in law, Hense (Joyce) Winchester and Steven (Lesia) Winchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father in law, Marshall Blackman; and brother in law, Jim Winchester.

Services will be held Monday, April 20, 2026 at Waller Funeral Home in Oxford, MS with a Visitation starting at 10:00am going up until the 12 Noon service time.