Douglas Paul Miller passed away peacefully after a brief illness on August 28, 2026, surrounded with so much love by his family and his closest friends.

He was born June 18, 1955 to Kenneth and Geraldine Miller at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was proceeded in death by both of his parents and grandparents, as well as his brother-in-law, Bob Cooley and a nephew, Cory Alexander.

Doug grew up on McCain Street in a small three bedroom house with his four siblings and his parents in Vicksburg and later in the home his father built on Silver street. Doug started early learning how to build from his father as he would help him whenever he would allow it. The love of building things with his hands along with hunting and fishing was engrained at a young age, instilled by his father during the short time that he was with them.

Being the only son Doug knew exactly what buttons to push not only for his sisters but for his mother as well. From trying to throw a hammer at his oldest sister and sending right into the picture window. To blaring his record “Schools out for Summer” so loud and so often his Mom took and hid the record but Doug found the hiding spot and you guessed it continued his torture for his mother. As you can tell he always marched to his own tune, in typical rock ‘n’ roll fashion of course.

His father passed away shortly after the home was completed on Silver Street when Doug was at the tender age of 14 years old. This set Doug on the path to be the man he was today.

When Doug graduated from Vicksburg high school in 1973, he knew then exactly what he wanted to do in life and that was following his father‘s footsteps and to get his builders license. Doug Miller Builders was his business and he was so proud to have made it to what it became. All of his blood and sweat went into perfecting his craft and reputation…and in the end it all paid off.

Doug was the middle child of 5 for Kenneth and Geri. He is survived by his four sisters: Judy (Bob) Cooley of Vicksburg, Patty (Terry) Reed of Mendon, Kari West (Tom Canning) of Norton, Massachusetts, and Kelly Miller of Constantine. Doug had five nieces and five nephews as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Family to Doug was important, he loved them fiercely. He was always there for birthdays, holiday gathering or just when invited over for dinner. I will have to say losing money while playing up and down the river was not top of his list, as he always said ‘Those Cooley kids must need new shoes for school’.

He really enjoyed taking his nephews, the Cooley’s (Mike and Chad) and Bailey boys (John and Owen) out fishing on his bass boat as well as deer and squirrel hunting for their first time. He looked forward to taking his oldest niece, Chrissy, turkey hunting up in Baldwin every year. Doug treasured the hunting trip he had taken with his brother-in-law and nephew Terry and Kenny Reed out to Colorado.

He was also honored to take part in his neice Melissa’s wedding as an usher.

Whichever activity he did with any of them, he always made it memorable, and he truly enjoyed every minute of it. No matter if it was hunting or fishing, He thrived on teaching how to harvest an animal so that they can enjoy the thrill of the hunt as much as he did.

A few years back, Doug was asked by his neighbors and close friends Mike and Heather Mattheis to be the godfather to their son Hunter and immediately without hesitation he accepted. Doug and Hunter did so much together as Hunter grew up through the years. He was very proud that they trusted him for that role.

Doug gained many friends; alot of them lifelong, through many of his contracted jobs. These connections lead him to many of his friends today: his best friend Wes, as well as Tom, Steve, Doug J, Doug T, Del, Chuck, Chuckie, Todd, Hannah, Gene, and Rich, just to name a few. This group of guys as well as alot more were a huge part of Doug’s life. He spoke of all of them often.

They were always there for each other whether for help if someone needed it, or to go prairie dog hunting to satisfy the rush of the “pink mist” and elk hunting both out in Colorado or the week long small mouth bass fishing excursions in the UP on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron or simply just a get together fish fry at one of his buddies home. These guys were always together and loved Doug like a brother as he did them. Doug would always tell us tons of stories from his crazy adventures as there were many to tell.

But no matter which hunting or fishing trip they were on you can rest assure that the Jack and coke was not far behind seasoned with alot of laughter.

Doug had the opportunity to meet one of his favorite reality show cast members the Landry’s from Swamp people and was able to shake the old man Troy Landry’s hand. Doug had to laugh because in true Doug form gave Mr. Landry quite a firm handshake and if anybody knows Doug swinging at 20oz. hammer every day for most of his life, you know that grip is lethal… enough for Landry to comment “boy you got a pretty good grip there“.

His quick wit, contagious laughter and infectious smile will be sorely missed by all. And for old times sake…Glad you got to see me - - - pleasures all yours.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Doug, on Saturday, September 26th at 11am at the funeral home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10am.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Doug’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with his family.

The Miller family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.