BURTON – Courtney Allen Miller, age 67, longtime resident of Burton, was doing mission work in San Salvador, El Salvador, when he passed away Monday, April 29, 2019.
Courtney was born on Aug. 4, 1951, in LaGrange, Ind., son of the late Uriah S. and Susan P. (nee Schmucker) Miller. He graduated valedictorian of his Westview High School class in Topeka, Ind., and received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Purdue University.
He married Joyce Irene Kindy on Sept. 26, 1981, in Michigan. They were married almost 23 years before she passed away April 13, 2004.
He was an electrical engineer and retired from Rockwell Automation.
After his retirement, he became a teacher at Agape Christian Academy, where he was a beloved teacher, IT manager and jack-of-all-trades volunteer.
Courtney was an active member of Cornerstone Bible Church. He deeply inspired many around him through his strong relationship with Jesus Christ and had the incredible honor to be a spiritual mentor to many around him. He was always willing to listen, lovingly challenge your thoughts and encourage you (never judging or dismissing you) while you grappled with how your faith in Jesus Christ related to your life.
His heart was burdened for the hearts of young men and their fathers, leading them to become men of God and godly leaders. Nothing was sweeter to his ears than hearing how you were living your life for Jesus.
Courtney loved his children and their spouses, and adored his grandchildren. Some of his favorite pastimes were camping with his family, swimming and playing in the sandbox with his grandchildren, and being together as a family. He loved to sit back and watch the interactions between his children and their families.
Courtney also had a heart for missions, both in the states and abroad. He went on multiple mission trips with church, family and Agape Christian Academy. It didn’t matter if it was building relationships or building houses; he loved it all.
Courtney is survived by his loving children, Benjamin (Nicolette) Miller, Kristen (Michael) Elliott, Suzanne Miller and Jeremy (Glorious) Miller; his beloved nine grandchildren, Kalia, Ana, Garrison, Luca, Boaz, Kinzey, Kai, Zaden and Enoch; and his brother, David (Darlene) Miller.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents; and stepmom, Mary Lou Miller.
Calling hours will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019, at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield.
On Saturday, May 18, 2019, calling hours at 9 a.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 10:30 a.m., at Cardinal Middle School, 16175 Almeda Drive, Middlefield. Burial will follow at Slitor Cemetery in Burton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Father’s Heart Foundation in El Salvador. Courtney spent his last day at this ministry and was excitedly exploring ways that he could become involved and support them. Donations can be sent to The Father’s Heart Foundation USA, c/o Darrell Music 3540 Charring Cross Drive, Stow, OH 44224 or given online at www.fhfusa.org.