Johnnie Miller, Sr.

Johnnie Lee Miller, Sr., took his journey March 4, 2016 at the age of 70 years.

Johnnie was born on December 28, 1945 to John Daniel and Mary Leonna Miller of Brinkman, Oklahoma. Later they moved to Plainview, Texas, where Johnnie attended school at Estacado Junior High until the eighth grade. He had to join his father working on the family farm at the age of 16. Johnnie moved back to Oklahoma with his father, gaining employment in the construction industry. When Johnnie reached 17 years old he met his wife Bernadette Pettit. The couple was united in marriage on December 23, 1963, and began traveling while Johnnie worked in the construction business. In 1968, they returned to Oilton, Oklahoma. Johnnie has worked in several different types of jobs, including oil field, heavy equipment operator for Quapaw. Johnnie was working in heavy construction when he gained employment with the Cimarron Turnpike in 1974. Johnnie worked doing construction until he lost most of his hearing.

Through the years Johnnie didn’t stop working. He continued to do what he could dry walling, roofing, lawn mowing and cutting wood. Most would say he was a “Jack of all Trades.” In 2002, Johnnie received his GED at Drumright Vo-Tech for small engine repair. He liked his hobbies which included hunting and fishing at any puddle of water he could find. He loved to go camping wherever he could pitch a tent. Making Native American Crafts was also a pastime that Johnnie enjoyed. He was an avid member of the Cherokee Arkansas Missouri Tribe.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his father John Daniel Miller, mother Mary Leonna, half-brother William Miller, Jr. and Betty Jean Bush.

Johnnie is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bernadette of the home, one son Johnnie Lee Miller, Jr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, one daughter Monica Lynn Blankenship of Cleveland, Oklahoma, sister Jeanette Chapman of Cleveland, Oklahoma, grandchildren Nakasha and Joshua Bollinger of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jamie Lynn Buntin of Cleveland, Oklahoma, K’lea Marie Ann Blankenship of Cleveland, Oklahoma, great grandchildren, Kaden, Bryce, Blaze, Mackenna, Mihya, Sky, Nichole, Leighlah, Austin Ray Burgess, and several nieces, nephews and a host of family and many friends. Johnnie was a practical jokester and fun to be around, he will truly be missed.

We Love you, husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa.

Services will be held on Wednesday, 2:00 pm, March 9, 2016, at the Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Elfrink officiating. Following the services, the body will be cremated under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.