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Ron L. Miller, 77 of Turlock, California entered into eternal rest on December 6, 2012 with his wife Joan Read Miller and friends by his side. Ron was born in Canton, Ohio on July 25, 1935. He is preceded in death by his parents Lee Roy and Dorothy Miller, and his sister Lori Miller. Ron is survived by his wife Joanie of Turlock, California, his daughter Diane Miller of Albuquerque, New Mexico, his son Colonel Paul Miller, USMC, daughter-in-law Laura Miller, and two granddaughters, Presley and Cassidy all of Carlsbad, California. He is also survived by his cousin Sharyn Gates of Atwood, Ohio, and his sisters Sandy (Wayne) Mitchell and Lee Ellen (Gary) Dye, along with several nieces and nephews, all of southern California. Ron was a proud Marine vet. He suffered a tragic automobile accident while with the USMC, which left him facing several surgeries and permanent blindness in both eyes. Following intensive rehabilitation, Ron was accepted to Pepperdine University where he met and married his first wife, and the mother of his children, Patricia. There he earned both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in history. He then set about finding a job as a history teacher to support his young family. Ron became one of the first blind teachers in the state of California when John H. Pitman hired him for the Turlock High School District. After teaching history and English for five years here in Turlock, he and his family returned to southern California where he was accepted into a PHD history program at USC. He and his guide dog Artie graduated with honors, and again Ron was looking for a job. After teaching at the junior college level he accepted a position with the Department of Labor in Sacramento making sure that veterans were treated fairly when applying for jobs. This was to begin his career helping veterans disabled or not, as they tried to find their place in in the workforce following military service to their country. Ron’s work with Blinded Veterans Affairs, a non-profit organization, led to a transfer to Washington DC as their Executive Director. He was then asked by the Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs, Jesse Brown, of the Clinton Administration to become the advocate for blinded vets. In 1998 Ron took an early retirement and he and Joan returned to Turlock where her parents still resided. Ron enjoyed his retirement and worked hard to increase his computer skills. He was confirmed into The Episcopal Church and quickly became an active and contributing member the St. Francis vestry, including serving as the vestry’s senior warden. Ron continued to be an avid guide dog user until illness made it less possible for him. He often talked about his beloved working shepherds, Joanie, Artie, Pavlov, Hunter, Nemoy, Tera, and still present Barton. He loved them all and enjoyed educating people about the use and training of guide dogs. An Episcopal funeral service, burial, and reception will be held for Ron L. Miller on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist, Turlock, CA 95380. Donations may be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church, PO Box 3632, Turlock, CA 95382 or The Turlock Fire Dept. 900 N. Palm, Turlock, CA 95380

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Ronald Lee Miller

July 25, 1935 - December 6, 2012