Obituaries Archive

Obituaries » Thomas J. Miller II

Check your settings when you are happy with your print preview press the print icon below.

Show Obituaries Show Guestbook Show Photos QR Code Print
February 15, 1965 - July 3, 2024

Cremation has taken place and Tom will be interred at Portage South Cemetery with his Grandparents during a private graveside burial. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at a later date and time. The previously scheduled event has been delayed due to health issues.

Share your Memorial with Family & Friends

Thomas Joseph Miller II passed away on July 3, 2024 surrounded by his family
.
Tom was born on February 15, 1965 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is survived by his Mother Cynthia (Adams) Miller, Sister Marganne Miller and Brother Matthew B. Miller. He was preceded in death by his Father Thomas J. Miller, Uncle Harry J. Miller, Grandparents Seward and Dorothy (Wetherbee) Adams and Benjamin and Margaret (Nichols) Miller.

Tom grew up in Texas Township and developed his first love of birds on the family farm with chickens, ducks and turkeys. He attended Portage Central High School and then graduated from Ferrari’s School of Cosmetology in Battle Creek, Michigan. Tom became a Master Hair stylist spending most of his career at Regis Hair Salon at the Crossroads Mall and later at Heads Up where he developed many close relationships with his customers and coworkers that he cherished.

A gentle soul with a kind heart, the elderly, children and animals were particularly attracted to Tom. He enjoyed gardening and searching for antique treasures. He had a keen sense for design and was especially proud of his home which he filled with Victorian era antiques. Outside his garden was one to behold with elegant ferns, hostas, roses, peonies and a beautiful Koi fishpond. Tom’s affection for birds grew from farm animals to beautiful macaws as well as parrots and finches over the years and although he did not particularly like cats, he also grew quite fond of his adoptee, Alex.

He particularly enjoyed old B&W movies, The Waltons, Downton Abbey and American Horror Story. Tom took much pleasure in good food and would never pass up a good BBQ, collard greens or lemon meringue pie with his sweet tea.

Tom spent the last seven years at Medilodge of Portage bravely fighting a lengthy illness never losing hope of a return to full health. His strength, courage, and optimism granted us many more years of his special presence. Even in the worst of times, Tommy’s wit, charm and keen sense of humor only added to his eternal goodness and light. Although we will miss him dearly, he can finally release his body and enjoy the freedom and peace that he so well deserves.