Robert E. Miller
Robert (Bob) Eugene Miller, aged 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 7, 2025. Bob was born on December 7, 1935, in Mills River, North Carolina, to Raif and Ruby Miller. He was the second eldest of four children. Bob met his bride, Betty Joanne Heykoop, at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where they resided until September 2024. Bob and Betty’s 65 years of marriage were a testament to God’s faithfulness and a blessing to those around them.
Bob and Betty had three beloved children. Bob was preceded in death by daughter Michelle and son Todd, as well as by parents Raif and Ruby and brother Kenneth. Bob is survived by son Derek and daughter-in-law Beth (Miller), daughter-in-law Robyn (Miller), granddaughter Kendal (Zhang) and grandson-in-law Gary Zhang, granddaughter Colette, granddaughter Ruby, and great-grandson Roman Zhang. In addition, Bob is survived by sisters Edith (Baldwin) and Hazel (Benzing), brother-in-law Ron Benzing, sister-in-law Norma (Miller), and many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.
After several years as a Marine Corps airplane mechanic, Bob was honorably discharged. He then worked as an Allstate Insurance Agent until his first retirement and operated a stump-grinding business for many years thereafter.
Bob cared deeply for his family and friends—he often showed this care through abounding generosity and service. He labored alongside Betty to build a lake house that became ground for years of joyful gatherings; he built fires in his backyard shelter to provide a place for sweet fellowship; and he used his woodworking skills to craft gifts for loved ones, particularly, his handcrafted stools. He was often a quiet man in crowds; nevertheless, his warmth was imminent: if you caught his attention for a moment amidst the busy noise of large gatherings, you would often get a smile and a wink.
He was a man of many interests: he enjoyed listening to hymns, opera, and classical music; traveling; reading; woodworking; and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was adept at both ping-pong and tennis. He spent many weekends on Lake Hartwell with his family and friends and could often be found doing high speed donuts and figure eights on a jet-ski.
Above all, Bob’s faith in Jesus was the guiding pillar of his life. He shared his faith regularly and openly. His prayers always included gratefulness and love to the Lord, even amidst hardship. Bob was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and he faithfully supported missions through charitable giving.
While his wife Betty, family, and many friends in Greenville and beyond will miss Bob very much, they are comforted that his legacy of faith in Jesus will live on, and that he will be reunited with many of his loved ones in heaven. Visitation with the family will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 12, in Altizer Chapel of Calvary Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mission’s Fund at Calvary.
All care, love and affection to you, Betty and your precious family.
Thanks for your patience, these last couple years I’ve been somewhat of a challenge, you did well dear lady.
It certainly was my honor be his friend, for many years. These memories will linger for a very long time.
Blessings to each of you in this time of rejoicing, relief and Hope.
Love ya all,
Barry and Norma
Betty and family,
John and I are grieving with you. We have shared over 40 yrs. Of precious memories good, sad and funny. The lake house, 4th of July, New Yrs Eve, Weddings, and of course our supper club.Betty, you and Bob were a team always ready to meet a need,always willing to tell people about Jesus.
He was a wonderful husband, great father and grandfather. You could not be around Bob and not know this man loved his family.
Our prayer is that God will continue to give you comfort and peace as you mourn the loss of your precious husband. Wow! He is with Jesus.
Dear Betty and Family,
Karen and I are saddened to hear of Bob’s homegoing. You guys were such generous and faithful encouragers to Karen and me in so many ways! Know that you are all gratefully being remembered by us in prayer during this time.
Bob’s quiet but strong support for the Lord and His work was a hallmark of his life. We probably never had a lengthy discussion about things with Bob, but then, that wasn’t necessary because Betty delightfully made up the difference!
When I was in the ministry at Southside, I don’t know where I would have gone to express frustration and release pressure if it hadn’t been for Betty’s wise and willing ear. Betty always had a keen, intuitive sense about phoniness and pretense, and a sensible and Biblical approach to complex issues. How fondly I remember the hours spent in her office discussing “school-related” issues.
Karen and I came to Southside as newlyweds over 54 years ago. Bob and Betty surprised us one Christmas with a wonderful Nativity Scene that we have used and still use during these 50+ years. We think of them and thank God for them each Christmas when we set it up. What generous and faithful friends they were!
Bob and Betty’s support of our ministry in the Career Class was also so thorough and selfless. They were “Yes, we can” people about anything Kingdom-related.
We were delighted to know and teach both Derek and Todd at SCS. We loved each of them so much, and understood their beautiful but occasionally mischievous ways. We wept when we heard of Todd’s passing. Derek and Beth are equally special in the family that God is rearing through them. Derek has had occasion to send such sweet messages of respect and appreciation for our ministry with him during his adolescent and teenage years!
Be assured of our love and prayers for your family during this time of loss, even though it is a joyful celebration of a life so well lived! We love you all!
Love,
Larry & Karen Kiser
Richland, Michigan
My dear Aunt Betty, my heart goes out to you at this time. You and Uncle Bob were a wonderful team, and showed your love and support for me and my family in so many ways. I was able to enjoy so many experiences because of your generosity:jet skiing on Lake Hartwell, the beach at Hilton Head,the Lake House, and so many other times that you opened your home to me. Your faith and love kept me going-even in the midst of difficult times. Most of all, you were a shining example of Jesus and His love. You leaned on Him during your most difficult moments, and I knew He was your Comforter. I love you both!