Richard Crockett Miller

Richard Crockett Miller

July 18, 1940 to June 6, 2026

Richard Miller died peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 6 with his wife Carolyn by his side. He lived a full, rich life of 85 years marked by service, generosity, intelligence and humor. He will be remembered by many for his wit that came with few words from a quiet man. People found themselves drawn to Richard by his capacity to listen deeply and connect with others. For his family and the many communities in which he was known, he leaves a large hole.

Service was an integral part of Richard’s life. He was particularly drawn in the last 20 years of his life to offer friendship and support to men at Orange Correctional Center (OCC), a minimum security prison in Hillsborough, NC. He was a volunteer in the writing group at the prison, as well as the weekly Yokefellows (conversation) gatherings and the Meeting for Healing led by Friends (Quakers) in the area. With his volunteer pass, he took numerous men out to community events. He provided support to men released to the area, helping them find housing and employment. The men and other volunteers at OCC will miss his steady and gentle presence. One OCC resident called Richard “a quiet giant.”

Service and a contemplative manner of worship led him to join his wife Carolyn and enrich the community at the Chapel Hill Friends Meeting (Quaker). In addition to serving on the prison service committee, Richard worked to maintain the meeting’s buildings and grounds. He was always at workdays, meeting contractors for necessary work and using his own construction skills during two renovations. He was a member of the pastoral care committee, helping to ease the life of others facing hardships.

Richard loved the natural world. There were “last light” walks by the Eno River, camping trips and many trails hiked with Carolyn. Richard could “see” wildlife and nature in ways that bought him joy — joy that he shared with others. He worked hard to cultivate a lovely moss garden that became a restful place for the eyes of neighbors. A dog lover all of his life, he supported the work of Eyes, Ears, Nose and Paws, a medical assistance dog training program that partners with men at OCC and other prisons for dog training.

He enjoyed good food shared with friends and family and listening to jazz and blues. Many will miss conversing with Richard about football and politics.

Richard was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 18, 1940 of parents Sarah Virginia Swindell Miller and William Alfred Miller. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1963 with a degree in psychology. While at Vanderbilt, he represented the University in the Model UN program, showing an early interest in international politics. Richard worked in several different occupations including boat building and construction. For many years after he moved to Chapel Hill in 1990, he worked with a small construction company, Schroeder Builders, primarily involved with home renovation.

He married Carolyn Stuart in 2008 and was a loving and faithful husband. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, his sister Susan Hooper, his sister-in-law Sara and brother-in-law Scott Buechler, niece Mary Lee (Mike) and great-niece Ramona Lee, niece Jessica Barile (Jason), great-nephew Dylan and great-nieces Maya, Claire and Stella Barile. Others surviving his death are nieces Clare Doyle (Jim) and Helen Tabas (Philip), Sarah Miller and nephew Hart Hooper (Arleen). Great-nephews also include Sam Maslin (Lauren), Hank Doyle (Taylor) and Henry Doyle. He was predeceased by his brother Harlan Miller, stepson David Stuart and great-niece Sarah Doyle. He leaves to mourn his death many others in the communities he loved.

A memorial service for Richard will be held at the Chapel Hill Friends Meeting (Quaker) at 531 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill on July 11 at 2:00.

Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Alamance Orange Prison Ministry: PO Box 9932, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 or with an online donation at aoprisonministry.org

Or to Eyes, Ears, Nose and Paws: 2401 Old NC Highway 86, Hillsborough, NC 27278-8755 or an online donation at eenp.org.