STEVEN ROBERT MILLER
July 29, 1949 - August 18, 2016

MINFORD-In the middle of "nowhere" southern Ohio, a humble country preacher laid down his sword and shield in victory. Steven Robert Miller, 67, of Minford, died peacefully on August 18, 2016, surrounded by his family at SOMC Hospice Portsmouth after a long illness.

Born July 29, 1949, Steve was the eldest son of Bob and Violet Ruth Miller of Minford, OH. He graduated from Minford High School in 1967 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tenn. During this time, he married Serena Bonzo. Steve continued his education at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., where he earned a Master's of Religion in Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages.

Upon graduation, Steve taught Bible at Michigan Christian College in Rochester Hills, Mich., and then served as administrator of Luckett Christian Academy in Detroit, Mich. Steve enjoyed serving as the pulpit minister for the Roseville Church of Christ in Roseville, Mich., as well as the Sunshine Church of Christ in Minford, where he has preached for the past 22 years.

Steve quietly served the neediest children of Scioto County as an official Ohio Parent Surrogate. A mission work in which he was involved was Hope for Haiti's Children. A passionate vacation bible school coordinator, Steve was well loved by children of all ages for his enthusiastic rendition of "Big Green Frog." He possessed a vast knowledge of the Word of God and a deep abiding faith that sustained him throughout his life. Steve devoted much of his spare time and energy to family and church members. He was widely known in the community by his favorite expression: God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good.

Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Serena Bonzo Miller; three sons: Derek (Julie), Caleb (Meaghan), and Jacob. He has three grandchildren: Hannah, Johnathan, and Clara Miller. Steve is also survived by his mother, Violet Ruth; two brothers, Loren (Deborah) and Brian (Valerie); and one sister, Rebecca. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 21, 2016 from 1-3 p.m., at the Sunshine Church of Christ in Minford, followed by a funeral service at the church at 3 p.m. A private burial will follow the funeral service. Arrangements are under the direction of Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations/contributions may be sent to: Hope for Haiti's Children, 12020 Southwick Lane, Cincinnati, OH 4524