Vernon Eugene Miller

Vernon Eugene Miller, 91, of Green Valley, Arizona passed away in Sonoita, Arizona on November 5, 2017, after battling bladder cancer. Vernon was born on May 3, 1926 in Dinuba, California to Elmer and Goldie (Staton) Miller. He remained in Dinuba, throughout his youth. He served in the U.S. Navy, following high school. Upon completion of his term, he enrolled in college. He attended both the University of Miami and the University of California at Berkeley, before beginning his career in produce. He spent many years working in Nogales as a produce broker. He married Mary Jo Sublett of Watsonville and went on to have four children and raise a nephew. They resided in Chula Vista, a suburb of San Diego. He was an active member of the Scottish Rite branch of Freemasonry as well as the Rotary Club of America. After the death of his wife in 1993, he became a host for the Crystal Cruise line. He was amazed that a “boy from a small town like Dinuba” was able to travel the world. Since then, he has lived in Prescott, Arizona and Green Valley, Arizona. He always made a point to stay in touch with his longtime friends, each year making time for a trip to the San Joaquin Valley. All who knew him considered him a true gentlemen of great character. He was honest, fair and a great dad. He is survived by his children, Karen Jane Cody, Donald Eugene Miller, Kathy Lee Daily and Nancy Miller Burton; nephew, Michael Green; son in laws, Sam Cody, Chris Daily and Dale Burton; nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo, and his mother and father, Elmer and Goldie. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017, at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California, followed by a Celebration of Life at Provence House, 4370 Sweetwater Road in Bonita. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through www.bcan.org/donate/.