Richard Miller, 68, of Gainesville, MO passed away September 26, 2024 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, MO. He was born March 7, 1956 in Gainesville to Fred and Opal (Thompson) Miller. He was a lifelong resident of Gainesville and a 1974 graduate of Gainesville High School.

Richard was a devoted son, brother, father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also a loving friend and neighbor. Richard was a helper to all that knew him. He spent countless hours being a support to people that he knew and loved.

Richard married Nancy (Yaeger) on October 22, 1977. Together they had two daughters, Brenda (Miller) Frye and Marsha (Miller) Conklin.

Richard married Cindi (Edwards) on May 20, 2002 and he became a father figure to James Blaylock and Buddy Moon.

Richard was a hard-working man in every capacity. He retired from MoDot in 2007 after 29 years of service. All the while he managed his 200-acre farm, feeding morning and night, fixing fence, maintaining the ground and working on farm equipment. The same year he retired from MoDot he began driving a school bus for Gainesville School District. He enjoyed this work for the past seventeen years until his health didn't allow him to return. For years his family could hear him plowing up the dirt road in his bus starting his morning route. As he would drive by the house, he would honk to make sure we were all up and stirring. He often talked about the kids on his bus route and how he enjoyed them. Everyone knew how Richard would drive his route….wide open!

Richard enjoyed everything about his life. Although farming was work, it was also a hobby. He enjoyed working on equipment and restoring tractors. He enjoyed taking his grandkids hunting on his land, and taking them fishing from time to time. Every October he enjoyed deer camp where tons of family and friends gathered for hunting, camping, good cooking and good laughs. Tons of cousins and family friends were a part of this annual tradition and it's something Richard held close to his heart.

Another thing Richard looked forward to yearly was seeing his step-sons and their families. Every 4th of July week he would work cleaning up the house and property in preparation of them coming to visit. Once they arrived, he enjoyed their company, porch sitting, cooking and taking of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on tractor and 4-wheeler rides. All of Cindi and Richard's kids and their children would have multiple gatherings during that week, float trips and days on the pontoon.

Papa's tractors were a hobby he thoroughly enjoyed. Every year he looked forward to riding tractors in the Hootin' Hollarin' parade with his buddies. It wasn't long before he involved his son-in-law Jim and grandson, Braden.

Richard instilled in his family strong Christian values, raising his family in church from a young age. He sat an example of unconditional love, selfless acts, hard work and dedication to whatever you put your mind to. Richard loved Jesus and it showed in the way he chose to live his life. He is leaving a legacy in those he has left behind.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Fred Miller.

Richard is survived by his wife, Cindi of twenty-two years, two daughters and their spouses, Brenda and Jim Frye and Marsha and Bobby Conklin, two step-sons and their spouses, James and Sarah Blaylock, and Arthur "Buddy" and Shy Moon; grandchildren Braden, Mylie, Grant, Brantlee, Krayton, Braxton, Eric, Katie, Erin, JW, Frank, Logan and Nick; and great-grandchildren Ellie, Stella, Taylor and Jamie. He also leaves behind his mother, Opal Beasley and husband Jim Beasley, two sisters, Angie and husband Wayne Wallace, sister Glenda Silvey, nephews, nieces, and close cousins, too many to mention, but were ever near to his heart.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024 in the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church. Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to service time at the church. Officiating will be Bro. Davin Friend. Burial will be in the Brushy Knob Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.