Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Miller, Gaylord "G.L" Lee October 28, 2016 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Pat Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net July 7, 2020, 4:56 pm Ionia Sentinel Standard-Wed. Nov. 2, 2016 GAYLORD LEE (GL) MILLER 1935-2016 On Oct. 28, 2016, Lt. Gaylord Lee (GL) Miller joined his Lord and Savior and his wife Joanie, to go fishing for bluegills in the calm, blue lakes of heaven. Gaylord was born Oct. 28, 1935 in Belding, MI to George and Marjorie Miller, who preceded him in death Gaylord was also preceded in death by two daughters, three great grandchildren his sister Arlene grandparents, Sister-in-law Evie and brother-in-law Stan, Mother-in-law Clara Rafferty-Bearer and his beloved wife, Joan. Gaylord legacy will be celebrated by his children George (Marsha) Miller, Sally Ann Welch-Spry, Tammie Jo (Richard Schmidt) Miller, Gaylord Jr. (Kelly) Miller, Susan Miller, James Welch, Jennifer (James) Murton, and "special adopted" daughter Belinda Buress. Gaylord was blessed with 33 grandchildren and 32 great- grandchildren and one more great-grandchild due to join the family soon. In his early years, Gaylord enjoyed working in the Apple Orchard with his father. He would tell of his first job sweeping the floors and stoking the fire for his teacher at the old Greene Corner School for $1 a week. Gaylord worked in his early years at Jolly Kid. Gaylord later went on to become a Tool and Die Maker and Plant Manager of Lowell Engineering. In 1971, Gaylord joined the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and quickly rose to the rank of Lieutenant, Gaylord often would tell tales of the old gladiator school of the Michigan Reformatory and being part of the "Goon Squad" or of the challenges of opening up Riverside Correctional Facility upon its conversion from the State Mental Hospital to a Correctional Facility. Gaylord retired in 1993 from the MDOC. Gaylord then worked as a service representative at Rayborn's Hardware in Belding, until 2004, when he finally decide to enjoy retirement. Gaylord served as Little League coach, was a member of the Saranac Jaycees, and was a Boy Scout Webelos Troop leader during his residence in Saranac. Gaylord was a member of The Mayflower society, having traced his lineage back to the Mayflower decedents. Gaylord was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Belding, MI and served as a Charter Member of St. Joseph/St. Mary #7795 Knights of Columbus, on the St.Joseph/St.Mary Pastoral Committee, was a Eucharistic Minister and church Usher/Greeter. Gaylord and Joan initiated the Christmas Angel program at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Gaylord was a Cursillo alumnus. Gaylord loved fishing for and eating bluegills from any lake. Gaylord loved hunting and id both vigorously until his health would not allow hime to participate in the activities. Gaylord was an avid bowler, bowling on leagues in Belding and Ionia. Gaylord loved collecting coins of all types. Gaylord enjoyed camping, a good campfire and "burning" his hot dogs and marshmallows. Gaylord was an avid Duck Dynasty fan and was thrilled when he was surprised with a phone call from Uncle Si as a belated birthday/special Christmas present in 2015. Gaylord's family would say it was the one time they saw him tongue tied. Quite a Rarity! Gaylord would happily admit he had an "old teen" Crush on LeAnn Rhimes. Gaylord was proud to be a Lion and member of Bretton Woods Lions. Gaylord was a staunch supporter of the Coalition for Life Movement and worked the booth at the Ionia Free fair actively until his health would not allow him to do so. Gaylord was also a loyal supporter of the Juvenile diabetes research Foundation (JDRF) of Mi, St. Joseph's Indian School and Father Flanagan's Boys Town. Gaylord's greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family Meant All To HIM. Gaylord loved when a little one fell asleep on his chest or made him a special card or gift. It can truly be said that the little ones always brought a smile to his face and his heart. GAYLORD HAD A DEEP FAITH AND BELIEF IN THE LOFD and held onto that love to pull him through many obstacles and medical issues in his later years. Gaylord enjoyed his visits with Deacon Dan his wife Vicki and Father Mike and Father Mark when they would bring him communion of just stop to visit. Gaylord loved his visits with Hospice volunteer, Helen and best friends, Marlene and Jerry. A celebration of Gaylord's life will be held at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary prayer at 7:30 p.m. Mass of christian Burial with Father Mark Bauer as celebrant will be at St. Joseph Catholic church in Belding, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016 at 11 a.m. Committal prayers will follow at St. Joseph Catholic cemetery next to his beloved Joanie. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest memorial donation in Gaylord's memory be made to the Juvenile diabetes research foundation (JDRF) of MI or the Lupus foundation of MI in support of his granchildren/great-grandchildren fighting Type 1 Diabetes/Pityriasis Rosea and Lupus. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. Message of condolence may also be shared at www.jffh.com File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/m/miller37578nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 5.7 Kb