Obituaries

Cecil P. Miller, Sr.

On June 10, 2022, our beloved husband, father and PawPaw, Cecil P. Miller Sr., 83, retired Newport News Fire Department, passed away peacefully in the presence of family after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Captain Alvin R. Miller Sr., retiree Newport News Fire Department and Samantha Isabelle Miller; two brothers Alvin R. Miller Jr. and Wesley Earl Miller.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years Betty S. Miller, children Sandy Snapp (Donnie), Cecil P. Miller Jr. (Susan); grandchildren, Todd Goodson (Jenn), Julie P Kilburn (Dave), Melissa Smith (Kenny), and Kayla Snapp (Brian); seven great-grandchildren Jared, Tinley, and Tate Goodson; Kennedy and Anderson Kilburn; Tanner and Finn Smith; Sister in-laws; Grace Canfield, Bonnie Sturgill and Grace Sturgill.

Cecil was born August 13, 1938 and was raised in Newport News VA. As a young boy, he delivered papers for the city and played basketball for the North End league.  He later graduated from Newport News High School, where he played in the Typhoons band. Cecil was also an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. He later followed in his Father’s footsteps, as a firefighter and served 32 years in the Newport News Fire Department.

Cecil enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son. He and his wife Betty enjoyed their time together traveling and any opportunity to spend time with their family. A few of their favorite trips would include the Outer Banks, Boone NC and Gatlinburg TN.  Paw Paw could always be found in the stands, cheering on his grand and great-grandchildren. He could also be found in his recliner supporting his favorite teams, UVA and The Redskins.

We want to thank Riverside Palliative Care and Hospice team for all their love and support to our family. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made through the Riverside Foundation Hospice Fund in memory or honor of Cecil.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 14, 2022  from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. funeral service at Peninsula Funeral Home.  A graveside service will immediately follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance was provided through Peninsula Funeral Home. 

 

16 Comments

  1. Tom & Susie Wellington

    Betty and family,
    Tom and I send our heartfelt condolences to you all! We have many fond memories of you and Cecil! Sending love and heartfelt prayers to you at this difficult time! God Bless and bring you comfort.🙏

  2. Retirement NNFD, L.Cooper

    He will be missed, a great person and wonderful friend,I will always remember the times, Ray and myself would go to the old #5 station, a small station,we would go there early in morning have coffee and sometimes eggs,a wonderful time, I became a member of the NNFD, in August 1973,I was a Volunteer, after I became a member,I would go spend time with Cecil at #5 then going to #8 station,I’ll always remember that time, I’m so sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to you and family,Cecil was one of quite and wonderful firefighter that I became friends with,he was one of a kind,thanks for the time here with use RIP

  3. Roy Jackson

    I used to work with Captian Miller he was a great captain to work with and was always good to work with.he will be missed.

  4. Scott Liebold

    Kim and I extend our deepest sympathies to Betty and the entire family. Cecil was my first Captain when I began my career in the NNFD. His mentorship, wisdom and guidance was instrumental to my success. His goal was to leave all those he came in contact with better for the interaction. A selfless servant always. Your memory will continue to guide us all. May God bless the family and provide peace and healing.

  5. Frank Mitchell

    My deepest condolences to Betty and the family. Cecil was a wonderful person and his smile and humor will be missed by all. I worked with Cecil most of my NNFD career and respected him as a man and a Fire Officer. I pray that the Lord will keep you in his grace and uphold the family in their grief.

    • Nancy Green

      I am so sorry for your loss. He always had a smile on his face and very friendly. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

  6. Quinton Smith

    Cecil & Susan Miller and family: Our condolences on the loss of your father. While it’s a time of grief and loss, there will lots to be remembered of all the good times your family had together and all of the goodness that your father brought to the community and to his firefighting career and profession. Our hearts are with you, Betty and the entire family. Please celebrate Cecil Miller Sr.’s long and purposeful life. Quinton & Kathi Smith

  7. Lynn Gray

    Our family was always welcomed by Cecil and family. We were treated as his own family. We remember his smile and kindness. Our hearts ache for you all. We are thankful he had the very best care. We know he will be greatly missed.

  8. Michael Johnson

    I’m very sorry to hear of Captain Millers passing. I worked for Cecil several times during my 38 years with NNFD. If he every got angry it never showed he was always laughing and smiling. He was a good man always and I enjoyed my time spent working with him. Cecil was always one of the “GOOD GUYS”.

  9. David Austin

    My condolences go out to Mrs Miller, Sandy and Cecil Jr. I was sorry to hear that Mr. Miller passed away. I remember him very well from 82nd St. and the various fire stations I visited with my dad. My mom and dad always spoke highly of him.

  10. Henry Ayer

    I was so sorry when I heard this and truly sorry we couldn’t make the service today. Mr. Miller was a first class man and he leaves a legacy that will have found memories to last for ages. Prayers to all. Love Henry

  11. Tess Craver

    Betty and family: So sorry to hear of Cecil’s passing. He was a good man and loved him family to the moon and back. I remember him during our “bowling” days and he was a character. He truly has left his mark and I am thankful I was lucky enough to know you both. Love and prayers sent.

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