Michael Miller

Michael Edward “Mike” Miller, aged 47 years, passed on June 3, 2021 in Long Beach, MS.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Deborah “Debbie” Elaine Miller; his maternal grandparents, Benjamin Alfred Moon and Georgia Elizabeth Godwin Moon; and his paternal grandparents, Edward Gustave Miller and Orpha Marie “Jimmie” DeVilbiss Miller.

Mike is survived by his wife of 16 years, Heather; his daughter, Rose Marie; his parents, Jim and Diane; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Mike and Heather met in 1996 as members of the Band of Gold on the Perkinston Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC). In 2004, he proposed on the 4th of July under the canopy of the Friendship Oak. He was proud of and amazed by his daughter, Rose Marie, most recently celebrating through tears of joy as she graduated high school, and later learned of her own acceptance to the Harrison County Campus of MGCCC. To his constant joy, he and Rose Marie played video games, fought in nerf gun wars, and created parodies of songs together.

Mike earned his undergraduate degree from Delta State University and his graduate degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. While at Southern MS, Mike pledged the Sigma Nu fraternity, becoming a well-loved and respected brother.

He was employed as a GIS Analyst for the City of Gulfport for nearly twenty years. As a member of the Mississippi Association for Spatial Technologies (MAST), Mike enjoyed helping to plan the yearly conference.

All who knew him, called him Mike (or Mikey if you were brave). An avid and accomplished musician, Mike learned to play nearly any instrument he could acquire – saxophone, bassoon, guitar, mandolin, and all kinds of percussion. After high school, Mike was a member of the Americanos, a drum and bugle corps based in WI. He lent his voice to several choirs locally including the choir at First United Methodist Church in Long Beach, MS and the USM Gulf Coast Civic Chorale.

Mike loved spending time with his family and friends, playing music and games. He had a way of connecting with people and was an engaging and insightful conversationalist. A master storyteller, Mike particularly enjoyed long Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, with his often rag-tag, and sometimes ne’er do well adventuring parties. He was a protector and helper:  our real-life paladin.

Family and friends are invited to attend “Remembering Mike” Friday, June 11th from 3 – 5 p.m. in the Hardy Hall ballroom on the Gulf Park Campus of The University of Southern Mississippi located at 730 East Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, MS 39560. Under the watch of the Friendship Oak, family and friends will remember Mike and celebrate the legacy of love, creativity, and giving he leaves behind. Come as you are – as Mike knew you – and share your memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to local community agencies and advocacy organizations. Donations to the Gulf Park Pantry will be accepted on-site during the remembrance. The family welcomes anyone who would like to share a photo or story to e-mail rememberingmike2021@gmail.com

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Long Beach, is serving the family.