Donald Lee Miller

Donald Lee Miller, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, community leader, and lifelong Marylander, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire, from complications related to congestive heart failure. He was 92 years old. Born on June 24, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, Don was the son of the late Earl C. Miller and Emma Hopkins Miller. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Carolyn, and by his brother, Jack. Don is survived by his three children: Mark Miller and his wife, Kelly, of Centreville, Maryland; Jennifer Miller of Stowe, Vermont; and Matthew Miller and his wife, Jessica, of Annapolis, Maryland. Affectionately known as “Gramps,” he was a proud grandfather to Ashley, Brittany, Ian, Maya, Ethan, Selah, Oralee, Noa, Allistair, and Hudson, and a loving great-grandfather to Madeline, Liam, Alice, Scott, Aliya, Jackson, and Dakota. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family. He is also survived by his brother, Robert. Don spent his early childhood in Baltimore's Hamilton neighborhood before moving to Severna Park in 1945. His love for the Chesapeake Bay began at an early age, spending countless hours crabbing and fishing on Cypress Creek. At age 15, he began working at Dawson's, where he first met Carolyn, who would later become his wife. The couple married on August 4, 1956, at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis and built a life centered on family, faith, and community. A graduate of Annapolis High School's Class of 1952, Don attended Severn School for postgraduate studies in naval preparation before entering the United States Naval Academy. While medical circumstances prevented him from completing his goal of becoming a fighter pilot, he carried the discipline and determination he developed there throughout his life. He later attended Washington College, where he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Don enjoyed a successful career in industrial chemical sales that spanned decades. He worked for Dow Chemical and other industry leaders, with assignments that took him from Manhattan's Rockefeller Center to Connecticut and Michigan before ultimately returning home to Maryland. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a respected leader in the chemical industry and served as President of the Baltimore Chemical Association's Board of Directors. Athletics played a significant role throughout Don's life. An accomplished lacrosse player at Annapolis High School, Severn School, and the Naval Academy, he was a member of an undefeated Naval Academy plebe team. He remained a passionate supporter of Navy Athletics for the rest of his life. After raising their family in Anne Arundel County, Don and Carolyn relocated to Centreville on Maryland's Eastern Shore in 1992, embracing a slower pace of life along the Chesapeake Bay. Don retired in 1998 at age 65, allowing more time for the activities he loved most. A dedicated community volunteer, Don served on the Board of Trustees of Severn School and later on the Board of Trustees of his church in Centreville. He and Carolyn were deeply committed members of the Centreville United Methodist Church, where they formed lifelong friendships. Don was an avid golfer who enjoyed time on the links at Chester River Country Club and the Naval Academy Golf Course. Don and Carolyn enjoyed traveling together, creating lasting memories on trips throughout the United States and abroad, including a memorable anniversary celebration in Germany. A devoted Baltimore sports fan, Don held season tickets to Baltimore Colts games during the Johnny Unitas era and cheered passionately for his hometown teams. He was especially proud of having met sports legends Johnny Unitas and Brooks Robinson through his involvement with the 4100 Club. Those who knew Don will remember his loyalty to family and friends, his love of Maryland's waterways, and his deep commitment to faith and community. A celebration of Don's life will take place on June 30, 2026. To be held at the Centreville United Methodist Church, 608 Church Hill Rd, Centreville, Maryland, the viewing will start at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately following at the Chesterfield Cemetery, 406 S. Liberty Street, Centreville, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centreville United Methodist Church or Queen Anne's County Animal Services.

Donald Lee Miller

June 24, 1933 - June 15, 2026