Born in New Orleans, LA on Sunday, March 4, 1962, Craig Charles Miller came into this world just in time to upstage the Mardi Gras festivities for his parents Curry Miller and Pat Miller. Turned away from their intended hospital because of the holiday, the young parents had to travel to a second one to welcome their first son. Craig was also welcomed by his sister, Pamela, and soon the family would add another son, Kevin. Pam, Craig, and Kevin remained close throughout the years and would call each other friends for life. Craig grew up in Lake Charles where he attended Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School. The handsome, intelligent, young Craig excelled in academics, sports, making friends, and breaking hearts.

When the family moved to New Jersey, Craig attended Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, NJ. He was always the honor student, and had a natural affinity for science, math, and history. Craig also played football, worked on his ’68 Camaro, and was known and loved by all.  He moved to Texas after graduating high school to attend University of Texas at Arlington where he studied microbiology. 

As a young graduate of UTA, Craig was hired at Johnson & Johnson and soon awarded the MVP in sales. He played an integral role in the development of the first Hepatitis C Viral ELISA and worked to train a sales force across the USA. This led to Craig being chosen as one of six senior sales professionals to pioneer the Amplicor PCR with Roche Diagnostics. Craig was the first winner of the PCR Presidents Achievement Award. And, won it again a few years later. Craig continued successfully in sales, growing his territories, and launched the first clinical real-time hepatitis assay bringing in $65 million in total molecular revenues. 

While in Boston on business, Craig was able to attend the wedding of college friend, Roger and his bride, Mary. Just as Mary was preparing to walk down the aisle, Craig —hoping to not upstage any festivities this time—ducked into the church and hurried to take a seat. As the congregation turned expecting to see the bride, they instead saw a tall, dark handsome man. In the front of the church, in her pew, Suzie knew at that moment that the next wedding that she and this late-arriving stranger attended together would be their own. And, it was. Suzie and Craig were married in Dallas a few short years later. A year and a half later, they welcomed their son James. Suzie’s dad had recently passed away, and Craig knew that their first born would take the namesake of his beloved father-in-law. 

Craig’s career with Roche Diagnostics took the family to Carmel, IN.  Craig, Suzie, and James loved Indiana, but after a few years, welcomed an opportunity to return to Texas. But, this time, they were a family of four with their favorite Indiana souvenir, daughter, Piper. The family settled in beautiful Buda where Craig continued in diagnostic sales and marketing, and then ventured successfully into consulting.

Eventually, Craig made the move away from the medical industry to solar and renewable energy. This had been a long time dream of his. Craig found a new passion by helping homeowners to large commercial enterprises save money, save energy, and save the planet, one roof at a time. He thrived on solving the biggest challenges, and he loved connecting people from all industries related to renewable energy. 

In as much time that Craig spent working, networking, and researching solutions, he still made family time the most important time of his day. Craig was so proud of James and Piper, and was the best Dad to them. James and Craig loved to watch movies, play video games, and listen to music. They also enjoyed long conversations discussing world events. Craig admired Piper’s passion for ballet, and would accompany her to purchase new ballet shoes and clothing. They also shared a talent for creating art, and worked on projects together. Piper and Craig loved watching dance videos from around the world.  Craig’s love of learning and trying new things was definitely passed on to James and Piper. 

Craig also handled all the computer needs of the family as well as those of all friends and acquaintances. He built a large organic garden in the backyard, and made his own pesto. A labor of love was perfecting a homemade pizza dough, and creating his famous pasta sauce. Craig had also recently taken on a new hobby of doing voice overs for YouTube channels, and creating marketing videos.  

Craig enjoyed talking health and recipes with his sister, Pam, and discussing sci-fi movies and politics with his brother, Kevin. Craig and his dad, Curry talked farming, gardening, and world events. Craig and bonus mom, Carolyn shared an interest of being creative, and Craig had hoped to learn from Carolyn how to embroider so that he could create shirts with logos. Craig and his mom, Pat could talk about everything and solve all the big problems of the day from brain health to pizza recipes, creating websites to home remodeling, and what was happening in local politics. 

Suzie and Craig had recently celebrated 26 years of marriage and were making plans for the next 26 years. Craig was everything to Suzie—her rock, her love, and always the one to make her laugh. With Craig, the house was full of music, laughter, great cooking, and there was always a new adventure around the corner. 

Craig will be terribly missed by his family, his friends, his co-workers, and his customers. If Craig had ever met you, he remembered you, and probably stayed in some form of contact with you. Craig was a mentor to many, and often could see someone’s worth, before they knew it about themselves. He wanted people to be successful, and to shine. He loved his family, he loved being a Texan, and he loved the USA. He believed in being a responsible steward of the Earth, in helping strangers, in giving second chances, and in the power of prayer. 

Craig seemed to accomplish more in a day than most, and he seemed to have more hours in each of his days. Maybe, that is why he was given fewer years in his life. The years that Craig had were filled with hard work, constant learning, helping others, making a difference, laughter, and love.  

Craig is survived by his adoring and supportive wife of 26 years, Suzanne McGarry Miller and his absolutely wonderful children, James and Piper. He also leaves behind his mother Pat Miller, father and step mother Curry and Carolyn Miller, sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Paul Gold, brother Kevin Miller, Aunt Maxine, and numerous loving cousins. The loss of Craig will be deeply felt by his nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, Charlotte, Richard, and Gavan Cannady; John, Jeni, Lucy, and GiGi McGarry; Valerie, Eric and Mark Davis, and Lisa McGarry.