Ray MIller
April 18, 2020
Ray W. Miller
Ray W. Miller, aged 96, of Mayslick, KY passed away peacefully on April 18, 2020. He was born in
Marion County to Walter E. and Myrtle Ruth (Davis) Miller.
Ray served his country with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Following his service, he
became an accomplished contractor with his partner Charles Deskins, building many beautiful homes as
well as constructing some businesses and manufacturing facilities. Later, along with his father and
friend Paul Yates, they began a small machine shop in Ray’s garage to construct padlock parts. In 1969
Ray was co-founder of Hercules Industries in Prospect, Ohio where they ultimately designed and
manufactured a series of padlocks under the Hercules name that were sold nationwide.
Ray loved golfing and built and developed Green Acres Golf Course in Marion, Ohio and New Winchester
Golf Club in New Winchester, Ohio. For many years he had his own plane and loved flying and later in
life enjoyed camping and sailing with his wife, Judy. He was also a member of the American Legion Post
368 in Prospect, Ohio,
Ray could do just about anything with his hands. There was hardly anything that he could not build,
rebuild, or repair. He loved his family and his friends and was loved by all who knew him.
Ray is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judith Miller, son William (Bill) Miller of Marion, daughter Sally
(Ron) Rowland of Indiana, and stepsons Timothy Crockett and Floyd (Toby) (Shirley) Crockett, Jr. both of
Prospect. He is also survived by grandchildren, Sadie Scott, Sara (Adam) Minard, and Laura (Andy) Berry
as well as six great-grandchildren, Andrew Scott, Matthew Scott, Mazie Minard, Caleb Crockett,
Mashayla Berry, and McKenzie Berry.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Miller, son Charles Miller,
daughter Vickie Burchett, brothers Walter (Whitey) E. Miller, Jr. and Marion (Benny) Miller, and sister
Thelma Moloney.
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The Man of Steel. Literally. Could crush your hand with a handshake. Always spoke highly of others and visited family and old friends often. I'll never be the man that he was.
Ray was one of the very few that gave my husband work when he fell on hard times. Ed always admired Ray. Heaven definitely gained a wonderful man! My thoughts and prayers to the family!
Rip uncle Ray to
Sally, you have our deepest sympathy. The obituary was beautiful and I learned some nice things I didn’t know about your family. Be safe and prayers to you all.
When it all gets too much,
And I wish you were here,
I feel thankful that I met you
And I hold you close, to my heart ♥️
Till we meet again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
My Prayers are going Up To Ray and Judy and there families I can say one thing my sister could not had married a nicer man then Ray and he live a long life God you have gained and Angel of a Man
Ray will missed by all who knew him. RIP!
Great man. I hold highest repect for one of a kind. Rest in peace and see all friends and family forever. May God be with you.
You were a great dad and will be sorely missed. Your sense of humor and zest for life was evident in all you said and did. There are those who may say, “That Ray, he’s an angel now.” But for those of us who knew and loved him, we know…. he already was. See you later, Dad.