Edward Ray Miller

    Edward Ray Miller, 96, of Ganado was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 1:20 p.m., at The Ganado Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he had been residing on and off since May.

    Edward was born in Gonzales County on Saturday, January 24, 1925, to Louis Frederick and Jesse Ellen Aldis Miller.

    After his graduation from Smiley High School, he volunteered for the Draft and joined the Army. After completing his basic training, his unit was awaiting their deployment, when several soldiers came down with pneumonia and placed in a hospital. During that time his unit deployed to overseas and these troops were left behind.

    In addition to his parents, Edward has been preceded in death by his sisters; Lola Belle English, Maggie Elizabeth Smith, Lily Evelyn Montgomery, and Ruby Merle Parker.

    Left to cherish his memory are his wife, of 72 years, 3 months, and 4 days, Ileta “Faye” Miller, daughter Cleo “Genelle” Miller, nieces, Sandra Nell Phelps, Carolyn Phelps, Barbara Jean Bucek, nephews, Louis Wayne Montgomery of Goliad, John, Bubba and Ricky Parker, also his brother-in-law, Edwin Parker of Smiley.

    Edward was a loving son, husband, father and uncle. He was devoted to his family and always saw that their needs were met. Edward brought his family to Jackson County in 1952 after he secured employment at Alcoa Aluminum in Point Comfort. He retired in 1981 after 30 years, and enjoyed a long leisurely retirement. Edward was raised in Smiley Texas in Gonzales County, and one of his favorite past times was restoring antique Model A Ford Cars, often driving in a parade or Tri- County Tour. He had many friends, and never, had he met a stranger.

    Ed was musically inclined, he played several acoustical instruments, and was a founding member of the amateur band, Jackson County’s own, “Blue Grass Wranglers” during the mid-70’s and early 80’s, his instrument of choice was the Upright Fiddle, Banjo and sometimes the Mandolin.     Edward met and married the love of his life, Ileta Faye Rose, on March 26, 1949, and together they raised their only child; their daughter Cleo “Genelle” Miller.

    Visitation was held on Monday, August 2 at Ganado Funeral Home Chapel from 5-7 p.m., the funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 3, at First Baptist Church of Ganado with Pastor Ryan Carpenter officiating. Interment was held at Gonzales Memorial Park Cemetery.

    In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be sent to First Baptist Church of Ganado, P. O. Box 385, Ganado, TX, 77962, Services had been entrusted to Russell Todish of Ganado Funeral Home, 800 S. Third St. Ganado, TX 77962, 361-771-2120.