George Kennedy Miller

George Kennedy Miller, 88 Lakeland- George Kennedy Miller, 88, died on March 6, 2016 in Lakeland, FL. He was born in Bradenton, FL, May 6, 1927, the son of Letitia Burroughs Miller and James E. Miller. The family moved to Lakeland, where he grew up and then graduated from Lakeland High School, where he was the football letterman. After serving in the US Navy, he attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he is in the football hall of fame. He was a graduate of University of Wichita, which he attended on a football scholarship. He then coached high school football in Elinwood, Kansas. He met the love of his life, Reba Ellison, in Coffeyville and they returned to Lakeland in 1953. He went into the construction business in 1954, building homes, which led to commercial construction in the 60""s. He started Milco Construction, Inc. in 1970, which continues to be a family enterprise. He was active in civic organizations which include, District VP of Jaycees, President of American Red Cross Disaster Relief, LHS Booster Club, Pres. Polk County Builders Association, Board of the Salvation Army, Civil Service Board for the City of Lakeland, one of the founding members of Citrus Center Kiwanis Club and Pres. Florida Snow Skiers Club. He loved all sports, fishing, wood working, snow skiing, traveling and especially spending time his family and many friends, who meant the world to him. Spending time in Homosassa, on his farm in Tennessee, or on his farm in Kansas- he always ""lived life to the fullest"" and took time to ""smell the roses."" He had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. He was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Lakeland. Mr. Miller is preceded in death by his brothers, James Miller and Robert Miller and his sister Betty Jane Hayman. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Reba Ellison Miller of Lakeland. Children, Mary Jane Futch (Donald) of Lakeland, David Leslie Miller of Lakeland, Nancy Miller Linder (Scott) of Babson Park and Jeffrey Ellison Miller (Mary Jo) of Lakeland, grandchildren, Travis (Catherine) and Jason (Jodie) Futch, Trace and Nicholas (Rachel) Linder, Josh and Sarah Miller and 3 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 2, at 11am. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Episcopal Church in Lakeland, FL or The Salvation Army. Service: 04/02/2016 St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 1820 County Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813