Reed Miller

Reed Karl Miller, passed away on November 13, 2024, in Lehi, UT, at the age of 91. He was born on August 19, 1933, in Provo, UT to Karl Albert Miller and Frances Crocheron Miller. He married Opal (Opie) Tryon on January 14, 1957 in Mesa, Arizona. She passed away on March 2, 2020.

Reed was known for his faith in and devotion to Christ as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His service as Bishop in the Anaheim 5th Ward was a selfless commitment to helping others. He served two missions, one as a young man in “the great Southern States,” and a second as a senior with Opie in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. He magnified many additional church callings, including as a temple worker for 15 years. He loved serving the Boy Scouts, so much so that he was deservedly recognized with the distinguished Silver Beaver Award.

Reed loved his country and served in the Army and the Army Reserve at bases on both coasts.

Reed had a passion for education, and loved learning. He served as student body president at Brigham Young High School. He earned three degrees in education, a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's degree from Cal State Los Angeles, and a doctorate from the University of Utah. Professionally, he was an elementary school teacher in Covina, California, and later served for many years as an elementary school principal in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Anaheim, California, and Mt. Pleasant, Utah. He finished his distinguished career in education as a North Sanpete School District administrator. He was director of one of Utah's most decorated Migrant Education programs for many summers. Even after his retirement, Reed continued to learn by reading books on a variety of topics such as history, geography, weather, gardening and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reed learned as a young boy how to work hard by helping his father tend the grounds of Brigham Young University, which may have involved a John Deere tractor. In later years, he loved to garden and always shared his bountiful harvest with family and friends. He once grew a 348-pound pumpkin. However, the John Deere tractor that he and his brothers bought in his later years was not used for gardening, but for his temple commute and in local parades.

In Buenos Aires he learned how to golf and the game quickly became a lifelong passion. On he and Opie's 36th wedding anniversary, he scored a hole in one! He was a beloved fixture on the links at Fox Hollow Golf Course. Fitness was important to him and he often completed the ”9-9-9,” nine holes of golf followed by nine miles on the bike, all before 9 a.m.

He loved to travel and enjoy natural and historical destinations across numerous countries, and often domestically in a motorhome. Visits to national parks, state parks, and other scenic wonders were a staple of growing up in the Miller family. Trips to Europe, his two missions, and his professional experience in South America made him a well rounded man who could understand different people and cultures. While living in California, he grew to love the beach and enjoyed laying out on the sand. In his later years in Utah, he routinely adapted this summer activity converting the backyard into his own makeshift beach.

Growing up in Provo, Mount Timpanogos was a prominent feature on the northern skyline and in his life. He summited the mountain 26 times. As a boy, he helped his father provide electrical power to BYU programs at Aspen Grove Family Camp. Camping in the motorhome at the “mountain that we love” was his favorite getaway. Later in life, he worked to preserve historical facilities at Aspen Grove.

Reed Karl Miller worked hard, played hard, loved much, and taught by example. His infectious zest for life influenced all who knew him. He was a faithful husband, a devoted father and a committed disciple of Jesus Christ. His example will be a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Reed is survived by his children: Mark Miller, Michelle (Scott) Parrott, Maralee Santo and Miguel (Melanie) Miller, 18 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren (a 10th on the way), his siblings: Grant Miller, Glen Miller and Evelyn Dalebout. He was preceded in death by his wife Opal, his parents and a sister Joyce Weight.

Friends and loved ones are invited to attend a public viewing on November 25, 2024, from 9:45-10:45 am, followed by a celebratory funeral service at 11:00 am at Hillcrest 3rd Ward 1120 North 150 West, American Fork. Burial will be in the Provo Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

Let us come together to honor the life of Reed Karl Miller, to share memories, and to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Reed may have left this world, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Click the link below to join the funeral service's live-stream.   

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