Stephen Charles "Steve" Miller

June 19, 1948 - April 06, 2017

Obituary For Stephen Charles "Steve" Miller

Stephen Charles “Steve” Miller of Raleigh, beloved family man and retired federal agent, passed away unexpectedly after a cardiac event April 6, 2017.

He was 68, and is survived by his wife of 40 years, Toni Miller of Raleigh, son Colin Matthew Miller and daughter-in-law Amanda Selah Miller of Durham, daughter Kate Marie Peters and son-in-law Mike Peters of Denver, CO, grandson Owen Reid Peters of Denver, and a granddaughter, Colin and Amanda’s first child, due at the end of May. Also grieving are his mother, Rosemary Ryan Miller of Wake Forest, NC, brothers Jeff Miller (Maureen Miller) of Athens, GA, Peter Miller (Ann Miller) of Hickory, NC, and sister Mary Miller (Bob Geolas) of Raleigh, as well as a large extended family of nephews, nieces and cousins.

Born in Easton, PA, to the late Vernon Reid “Pete” Miller and Rosemary Miller, Steve grew up in Lakewood, OH, graduating from St. Edward High School. A brief stint as a clerk for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Cleveland OH ignited a passion for government service and criminal justice to which he dedicated the rest of his life.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1968, serving four years as a counterintelligence agent during the Vietnam War. He returned to the United States and became a police officer in New Orleans, then moved to California and after earning a B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Northridge, launched the beginning of a 30-year career as a criminal investigator and special agent with the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General. He transferred to Raleigh in 1989, where he specialized in investigating white collar crime. A highlight of his decorated career was being assigned to the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and serving as liaison between JTTF and the Muslim community.

Steve loved his work, and after retiring, taught and developed curriculum around Homeland Security issues for North Carolina Central University. Well-read and reasoned, never shy of opinion, he enjoyed writing and publishing editorial pieces about security issues and international politics. He was also an active volunteer for the USO of North Carolina in Raleigh. Yet what truly defined his existence was his deep, fierce love for his family. Toni was the center of his world. They met shortly after his return from Vietnam, and throughout four decades of marriage, he told her every single day that he loved her. Fatherhood was his most joyful accomplishment. He rarely missed a school or sporting event, and enjoyed even more the close relationships he shared with Colin and Kate after they reached adulthood. He wielded a whisk as skillfully as he did a firearm, turning out innumerable meals for his extended family, especially birthday cakes.

Funeral services are Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh, 7615 Six Forks Road. Viewing begins at 12 noon, with a chapel service at 1 p.m. and interment immediately following at Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh NC 27601. In memory of Steve, donations can be made to USO of North Carolina RDU Center PO Box 91443 Raleigh NC 27674 or to the Salvation Army of Wake County, PO Box 27584, Raleigh NC 27611

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »

11 Apr

Visitation

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

11 Apr

Funeral Service

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

April 28, 2024

Mike Peeters

Rest in peace Blala, Mike Peeters.
September 01, 2020

Julia Smith

Steve was my cousin. Our mothers, who were sisters, brought Steve his brother Jeff, my brother Russ and myself together on most days every week. The four of us grew up together. Steve had an impish laugh which always made me smile. As adults we wound up living in different parts of the country but I was fortunate to see him a few years back. It felt like no time had passed. The connection and love was there and we spent the entire time catching up. I will miss him terribly. Much love to my aunt and cousins at this enormously sad time. Julia Smith
September 01, 2020

Mike Cachat

Steve was a great guy. I was very close to him at St. Edward High School. I will pray for Steve and his family. Mike Cachat Class of '66.
September 01, 2020

Susan Fisher

One of the first people who greeted Allen and me when we moved to Anchor Court was Steve. At the time, we were young newlyweds, and Steve and Toni were the proud parents of little Colin and Katie. I remember thinking, "With Steve in law enforcement and Toni in the medical field, we'll be covered no matter what challenges we face." I had no idea how true those words would ring over the years. We have had the privilege of living next door to the Millers for 27 years. We've watched Colin and Katie grow into such impressive young adults with families of their own--always under the watchful guidance and care of their parents. Steve's face would literally light up whenever he mentioned Kate or Colin. I don't think I ever had a conversation with Steve when his children weren't the focal point. He was a great father and grandfather, a devoted husband and son, and one of the best neighbors we could have ever hoped for. We will miss him terribly and will always remember him with heartfelt admiration and love. Toni, Colin and Kate - We can't imagine the sadness you are feeling right now, but please take comfort in the pure joy you brought to Steve. You three were literally the lights of his life, and through you, his legacy will continue to shine. With much love, Susan Fisher and family (Husband Allen and sons Trevor, Erik and Joseph)
September 01, 2020

edith colon

To the Miller Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with all today.Thinking about your brother and wishing we could be there.We are so sorry for your loss.May he rest in peace. With all our love and comfort, Edith and Raul Colon Friends of Jeff and Maureen
September 01, 2020

Jeannine Ashton

Our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. We want you to know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Tom and Jeannine Ashton