"To the family, Sincerest condolences from the "Seaman Family". Ronnie was a great family man, friend and community Icon.God Bless.Diane Seaman and daughter Danielle."
Ronald A. Miller, age 76, of Middletown, died Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA. Ronald was born January 7, 1941 in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Allen and the late Mattie (Boyd) Miller. He was married to Dolores "Foo Foo" Lombard who predeceased him in 1982. Mr. Miller led a life dedicated to supporting his community. He was a founding member of the Black Freedom Movement in the 1960s - a group that fought against racial discrimination and police brutality. He served as Executive Director of New Visions for Newport County for 11 years and in various roles at Citizens for Citizens, Inc. in Fall River, MA. He had a passion for football and coached youth football for over 40 years including Newport Pop Warner, Portsmouth High School and for the last 11 years at St. Georges School in Middletown. While at St. Georges, he helped lead the JV team to an undefeated season in 2014 and the varsity team to an ISL championship in 2015. Even more than coaching, Ron enjoyed witnessing the success of his student-athlete friends beyond football. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Derek and Keri Miller of Fall River, MA; son Keith Miller of Boston; and daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Eugene Bryant also of Boston.He was the proud grandfather of eight - Akeia, Justine, Ashley, Jasmine, Marisa, Christian, Adrien and Geanna and great-grandfather to Elijah. He also leaves to mourn countless nieces, nephews and friends.He was predeceased by his seven siblings: Mary Jane Beach, Vivian Tucker, Ruth Slaughter, Geraldine McCall, Gerald Watson, Josephine Whitley and Donald Watson.Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017, from 10:00-11:30am, at the Mt. Zion AME Church, Van Zandt Avenue, Newport, RI, followed by a celebration of his life at 12:00pm in the church.His burial services will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to The Ronald A. Miller Student Athlete Scholarship Fund at The Peoples Credit Union, 858 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842. Visitation JUL 1. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Mt. Zion AME Church Van Zandt Avenue Newport, RI, US Service JUL 1. 12:00 PM Mt. Zion AME Church Van Zandt Avenue Newport, RI, US
"To the family, Sincerest condolences from the "Seaman Family". Ronnie was a great family man, friend and community Icon.God Bless.Diane Seaman and daughter Danielle."
"Lois (Platts) Robinson lit a candle in memory of Ronald A. Miller"
"Coach Ron was one who tried to teach boys to be humble. My best example of this was when a player would score a touch down and want to showboat, Ron would speak directly to the player and say "son, make it look like you've been in the end zone before!" Players had a job to do and Coach Ron would impress upon them the importance of finishing the job, for the team, not for their glory. The lessons Ron taught our boys and girls with the football program at SG are immeasurable. The things I learned from him are timeless. He will be missed on this earth but is in a most beautiful Heaven."
"My condolences to the family! My memorie of Mr. Miller was when i worked at Newport Community Health Center for Jean Hicks! He would always stop in to say hello, always with a Big smile on his face! He was always so pleasent. You'd never guess he was having a bad day if he was. So with that being said , May you R.I.P. MR. MILLER!!:disappointed_relieved::disappointed_relieved::clap::clap:to the family!!:heart::kissing_heart:"
"Coach was a remarkable man who completely dedicated himself to honoring the game of football, the spirit of competition, and most importantly the encouragement of each young athlete. He cared with complete devotion. He fully invested himself into being there every day to support and encourage each athlete. I am going to miss him coaching my son. I am going to miss the drives to and from the games. I am going to miss laughing together about life, the game of football, and the adventures of parenting. I am honored that my son was able to be coached by him. I am honored to have called him a friend and to have coached with him. Somewhere in heaven there is a football field and you can bet he is on it."
"Brenda Dowlatshahi sent a virtual gift in memory of Ronald A. Miller"
"Derek, Keri & Marisa, So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Tracey Racquer-Lauzon"
"Derek,Sorry about your Pops. He was the man at Freebody Park.Sean G"
"Veronica Ardrey lit a candle in memory of Ronald A. Miller"
"REST EASY "MY FRIEND""
"God bless and R.I.P my friend."
"My condolences and prayers to the family,"
"Catherine Baham lit a candle in memory of Ronald A. Miller"
"Our prayers go out to the Miller Family during these trying times. Ronald will be missed by his Family and his Community"
"My prayers to the family of Mr. Ronald Miller. He did so much for the community and will be missed. Rest in Peace."
"My Blessings go out to the Family of Ronald A. Miller."
"William Cohen lit a candle in memory of Ronald A. Miller"
"my sincere sympathy to the family of Ron Miller--I had the pleasure of working with Ron at Citizens for Citizens, Inc. for a few years. He was a wonderful man and did so much good for the people of Fall River---I'll always remember him being pleasant and smiling-RIP with the Angels."
"So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to Ronnie's family."
"My deepest condolences. Love John and Judy Robey"
"from St. George's Football purchased the Strength & Solace Spray for the family of Ronald A. Miller."
"When playing JV, my conversations with Coach Miller are some of my fondest (and funniest) memories in football. As you mentioned, he was such a valuable member of the SG program for so long because of how much he loved the game and the players that he coached. He will be missed by so many."
"One of the smartest things I've ever done was to hire Ron twelve years ago to help our struggling football program. Little did I know then that we'd produce several winning seasons, an undefeated season, a championship, two bowl games and a strong JV feeder program. It's no coincidence. Moreover, his friendship and mentorship to me, our coaches and players were his greatest gifts. We dedicate the 2017 season to his memory. We love you, Coach Ron.-John Mackay"
"Mike Hansel, St. George's School purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Ronald A. Miller."
"It has been a privilege to coach football along side of Ron for the past few years. Together we have talked strategy and encouraged many players but, best of all, we have shared a lot of laughter and camaraderie. Ron is a kind soul who loved being involved in the lives of the students at St. George's. He took the time and care to get to know us all and to bless us with his grace and humor. We all looked forward to sharing time with Ron because of his sincere, no-nonsense approach to life. He will surely be missed but I am thankful for the great memories we made together!Respectfully,Mike Hansel"
"Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Ronald A. Miller."
"A true warrior/soldier/hero for us Newporters. Mr. Miller stood up on issues and causes that most of did not even know existed. He truly enlightened many of us on our civic responsibilities -- and he did what he could to make Newport a better place, particularly for the overlooked, and less fortunate. Gosh, how he loved his children and was so very proud to their father. This man was a coach and example how to care for others and how to be father and he believed in "It takes a village". How can we ever forget the cry "FREE RONNIE MILLER!". Now Mr. Miller you are free indeed. Rest in peace because of your efforts so many of us have lived in peace! Thank you for all that you did for so many of us. Terri L. (DeWitt) Lawrence"
"RIP"
"Rest in Peace Ronald Miller.Clifton & Juanita Gaines"
"RIP. Ron, My condolences to the family."
"Derek and family, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of my good friend Ron. We spent many years working at CFC and all I can say is he was one great guy, always had the clients in mind and respected everyone from every walk of life. He'll be missed and will be in my prayers.Rabby Raposa"
"Rest in peace, my dear friend.Connie Faison"
"Sylvia Lewis lit a candle in memory of Ronald A. Miller"
"Derek and family, prayers and condolences."
"Derek, Keith Rhonda and family,My deepest sympathy to all of you. As you know I was lucky enough to know coach and be coached by him. I proud to have grown up around his home all those years ago, with his warm loving family. Coach taught many of us kids life lessons that lasted and made us better people. Wishing you warm memories to comfort you.Jay Lasky"
"Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Ronald A. Miller."
"To Derek, Keith and Rhonda! Your dad was a very special person and will be missed by all I found comfort and thinking back on the times he coached the me in softball and you couldn't tell him nothing. He had a way of making you see how something was supposed to be instead of making it easy and laying it out do you. He was also my make shift coach on the basketball court behind the Rec"
"To Derek, Keith, and Rhonda: My deepest condolences. When I was informed of your dad's passing, an image of his huge smile that seemed to brighten the world came to mind. "Mr. Miller's" influence in my life came to light some years ago when I was asked, "why do I coach." The response was, it's what a man does to spend time with his children and provide a chance for kids to participate in sports that may not otherwise have the opportunity. Some of my fondest childhood memories start with playing the Cub's. It was a formable team with Derrick, Keith, Billy, Michael Ballard (playing first and throwing rocks at base runners) and Mr. Miller encouraging all who played the game and from time to time voicing his displeasure with the umps. Baseball season phased into football season and there was Mr. Miller again giving of his time, coaching Pop Warner Football and giving me and kids from the Hill and Park Home something to look forward to each fall. Coaching my daughter's baseball team led to the desire to coach football, which ultimately led to an exciting and rewarding career in education. One of the team's I am most proud of was a middle school football team in which I implemented Mr. Miller's 3-4 defense. The success of the team extended into an opportunity to coach defense at the high school level and a separate offer to be a high school head baseball coach. Watching your dad, Mr. Miller coach his sons, implanted in my psyche that a dad is to coach his children. Therefore, when my children showed an interest in sports, I signed up to coach. Allow me this opportunity to thank the three of you for sharing your dad with me when I needed it most. In this time of reflection, I have come to realize that he was my inspiration to reach out and help children realize their potential. Your dad was a good man, with a wonderful smile and a big heart. He is imbued in my memory as Mr. Miller, Little League and Pop Warner coach. Respectfully, Roberto D. Ayala (Bert)"
"Derek Keri and Marissa and family we are so sorry for your loss. John & Gail Sowersby"
"Mr. Miller I really can't believe it. All I know the talks, fun times that you, Keith, and I shared. I don't will never forget them time and I was blessed to have known you. Love talk we had when I gave you a ride!!"
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"Rest Easy Brother Ron! You are now totally FREE and among the angels in Heaven! I salute you!"
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