of Little Rock, AR
February 8, 1932 - January 11, 2025
BERT OTTO MILLER, 92, of Little Rock passed away in his home Saturday, January 11, 2025. Bert was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born in Little Rock, AR as the only child of Harry Oscar and Aline Fay (Langham) Miller on February 8, 1932. He graduated from Little Rock Senior High School, where he met his future bride, Laura Frances Bogan. Bert attended the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Laura kept in contact with Bert and eventually attended nurse's training in Memphis, where they dated and they eventually married in Little Rock on November 25, 1950.
Bert graduated Southern College of Optometry with a doctorate degree in 1952 and began a private practice as an Optometrist after returning to Little Rock with Laura in 1953. After establishing his professional career, Bert was active as a pianist and organist and became a lifelong member and Past President of the American Optometric Association and an active member of many related professional organizations. He became a member of Kiwanis in 1956 and was active in the organization.
Bert was affiliated with many Masonic bodies: Past Master of Albert Pike Lodge, Scottish Rite, honored with 33rd degree, decorated member of York Rite bodies, Scimitar Shrine, Past Monarch of Bendemeer Grotto, Order of the Amaranth, Past Grand Patron and Most Worthy Grand Organist of the General Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, Past State Dad, Legion of Honor awardee, member of Order of Demolay and Past State Rainbow Dad. He was Supreme Counselor of United Commercial Travelers.
As a pianist and organist, Bert accompanied choirs, was a musical director in churches and was ordained as a minister at the age of 80. He was an enthusiastic participant in the Pulaski Heights Baptist Church Young at Heart group and rarely missed a monthly activity with these friends.
Bert was preceded in death by his parents and Laura, the love of his life for 73 years. He is survived by his daughters and their families: Sarita and Tim Sullivan of Little Rock; Renee and Terry Easterwood of Bryan, TX; Tanya Miller of Little Rock and LaBerta and Randy Russell of Lake Village, AR. He was loved as ''Daddy Bert'' by all of his family (including seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren), extended family and friends. His furbaby Bella also survives him.
There will be a visitation at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 9:00 am, followed by a service at 10:00 am. The family wishes to express their thanks to loving caregivers Blanchie Grayson, Ivory Smith, Paula Thompson and Hospice Homecare professionals who assisted with devoted and gracious care at his home. Donations in the memory of Dr. Bert O. Miller may be sent to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012248300.
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9 Condolence(s)
Angela Bumpass
Saturday, January 18, 2025
He was a true gentleman. Prayers for all.
Cherish Byrns
Friday, January 17, 2025
Family and friends are in our prayers.
Cherish Byrns and family.
Deana Mitchell Eggleston
Friday, January 17, 2025
Renee,
I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead. Hold all your sweet memories close to your heart.
Paula Thompson
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Going to miss you my friend. You and Laura were like a second set of parents to me. We had some really good times through the years and I will never forget your kindness, advice and love you showed to me. I know you have been so sad after Laura died, you tried to hide it but I knew just by our conversations. I am so sad you are gone but then I thought, Laura was at the gates of Heaven waiting for you and saying it’s about time ,now we can be together forever. I will always love and remember you.
Give Laura a hug for me.
Love ya’ll, Paula
Susan White
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Daddy Bert never met a stranger. He treated everyone with kindness and embraced us all with love. His generous spirit will be missed, but we must accept that God blessed us all with his long life.
Bill Rausch
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
As a hospice volunteer, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Miller for the past two years. But in many ways, I feel as though I’ve known him my entire life.
During our many visits together, Bert engaged me with his beautiful, oftentimes raucous, life experiences. He opened his heart… And let me in.
While I cannot possibly list all the adventures and shenanigans, the joys and tears that we shared… I will simply sum it up with these three words… just for him:
I love you.
Dr. Yusuke & April Yahagi
Monday, January 13, 2025
Daddy Bert, I never got to meet you in person, only through FaceTime.. but through your daughter Renee I knew what a very special father and man of God you were. You will be truly missed. I know you and Mama Laura are reunited and walking hand in hand along the streets of heaven.
Prayers and Blessing for peace to your family that remain on earth
Katherine Tullos
Monday, January 13, 2025
Dr. Miller was such a sweet, kind man. He was a true Christian and he is reunited with his sweet Laura. Prayers for his family and friends.
T.J. Henwood-Secretary/Recorder
Monday, January 13, 2025
The officers and members of the York Rite Masonic bodies of Little Rock and St. Giles Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine send our sincere condolences at this time.