GRAHAM CONRAD MILLER's Obituary
Miller, Graham Conrad
Graham C. Miller, age 97 – prominent attorney, enthusiastic pianist, gifted songwriter, playwright, poet, master storyteller, private pilot, voracious reader, early computer geek, and all-around Renaissance Man - left this world peacefully on 2/26/17.
A true Armistice Day baby, born 8/8/19 in DeLand, FL, he moved with his family to Miami at the age of two. A graduate of Miami High, Duke U. (where he played trombone in the Pep band), and the UM Law School (during which time he played the piano and entertained at the old El Bolero), he practiced law in the Dupont Building for 40 years and for several years taught at the UM Law School. He and his true love Martha Thomas married in July, 1947, and had two much-loved daughters – Martha M. Raiss (George) of Norfolk, VA, and Jane M. Kerestes (Bruce), of Coral Gables. He dearly loved his grandchildren Christopher Watson, Martha Wynne (Josh), Katherine de la Fe (Francois), and Avary Kerestes, and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as his sister Shirley Holmes (Ed), numerous nieces and nephews, and 1 cousin. He was predeceased by his parents Myrtle and Francis Miller and his older sister Charlotte Weller.
In addition to his many hobbies, Graham was very civically involved, finding time for the Salvation Army (Order of Distinguished Service - highest order given to a civilian), Vice Consul to Bolivia, Miami Rotary Club (past president), Coral Gables Rotary (Honorary), Lighthouse for the Blind, the Coral Gables Music Club, Miami Opera (Secretary for 35 yrs), and many more. A charter member of the Riviera CC, and member of the Bath and Surf Clubs, he was a good golfer, decent tennis player, and terrific traveler, taking many cruises worldwide. He and Mom built their first summer home in the mountains of NC in the early 60’s, and he often said that he lived in Paradise – winters in the warmth of Miami, summers in the cool of Waynesville. He loved to be the center of the crowd and enjoyed friends of every age and interest. We want to thank them all for the love they showed him until the very end of his life.
After Mom died in 2005, he met dear Nita Norman, whose companionship and family blessed him for almost 10 years. We are so grateful for the joy they brought to him in his final years. He was also blessed by several wonderful caregivers, especially Ramona and Denise, and the kind people at The Palace-Kendall.
Graham loved life and lived it to the fullest, greeting each day with “Good morning, Merry Sunshine!” We will miss his voice, but will try to live his enthusiasm until we see him again.
A Celebration of Graham’s life will be at 4:00, April 26, at the Riviera Country Club.
Memorial donations to the Salvation Army, 1907 N.W. 38th St, Miami, FL 33142 or http://www.salvationarmymiami.org.
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