Donald “Don” Wayne Miller, age 80, of Huntsville, AL, passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2024.
Don was born on March 18, 1944, in Shellmound, TN, to parents Raymond and Blanch Miller. Growing up in Jasper, TN, Don was raised with many close siblings. Known affectionately as “Duck” by his kin, he was a kind soul and well-adored by his peers and family for his humor, drive, creativity, and ambition.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he demonstrated courage and dedication to his country. A true patriot, Don’s love for the United States of America was unwavering, and he carried a strong sense of duty, honor, and pride throughout his life.
Don’s passion for engineering grew out of his technical training in radar technology during his deployment. Upon returning from Vietnam, he enrolled at the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) to study mechanical engineering under some of the nation’s greatest minds. Don received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UAH and started a career at Honeywell, then Teledyne Brown, and later Lockheed Martin.
A brilliant and highly respected engineer, businessman, and entrepreneur, Don was the founder of Miltec Corporation, a successful defense and aerospace systems company he built from the ground up. His entrepreneurial spirit, remarkable intellect, and sharp problem-solving abilities helped guide Miltec to become a leader in its field in Huntsville. Don’s exceptional intelligence and innovative thinking left an enduring legacy in both the engineering world and his community.
Don was not only a successful businessman but also a mentor, role model, and community leader. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others, always making time to offer guidance and support. His impact as a leader and mentor reached far beyond the workplace as he touched many lives within the local community and helped other businesses grow and thrive.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Don was a man of many dimensions. He was artistic, with a deep passion for photography and portraiture, always capturing the moments that mattered most to him. His sense of humor brought joy to all who knew him, and he had a unique ability to make people laugh even in the most difficult times. Above all, Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and loved ones, particularly during family gatherings that he cherished deeply.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Gina Miller “My Love”; his sons, Mike Miller (Robin) and grandson, Jacob, Justin Miller (Rebecca) and grandchildren, Story, Lincoln, and Maverick; daughter, Miranda Miller-Durham (Tyler) and grandchildren, Hanna, Hailey, Emma, Jackson, Anna, and Aidan; siblings, Ruby, Sue and Harold; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his siblings Edwin, Raymond, Sam, David, and George.
A memorial service to celebrate Don’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of North Alabama.
Don will be deeply missed. He was a brilliant, accomplished, artistic, funny, kind, generous, and humble man whose legacy of love, mentorship, patriotism, and dedication to family and country will continue to inspire all who knew him.
