It is with a heavy heart that the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries announces the passing of the Rev. Roy A. Miller, 85, on February 4, 2008.  He was a former missionary to Paraguay.

Roy Miller, a minister’s son, was born in Toluca, Illinois, June 14, 1922.  He received his B.S. degree from the University of Kentucky in 1956, and a B.D. degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in 1957, being ordained at the Christian Church of Ogden, Illinois, where his father was pastor.  Roy married Pauline Iris Varner and in August 1959, the Miller family went to Paraguay and immediately to Coronel Oviedo and the social and evangelistic work program of the mission there.

Roy had the responsibility of three churches (one 30 miles away and another 85).  He was also administrator and treasurer of the social center, vice-treasurer and then treasurer of the Paraguayan church, a member of the administrative committee of the Paraguayan churches and a member of the advisory board of Colegio Internacional, Disciples high school in Asuncion.  He also acted as chauffeur taking people to the hospital when they were in need of medical care.

Roy and his family served the people of Paraguay through June 1973.  During this time, they hosted a World Convention, initiated a Family Planning Clinic, welcomed 24-hour electricity to their village (rather than the 4-5 hours a night), worked with engineers to obtain running water in Coronel Oviedo, dedicated new churches, and most of all, being “at home” with the people of Paraguay.

Global Ministries thanks God for Roy’s example of a life dedicated to serving in the overseas mission of the Church, and for his passion and commitment to seeking justice for all of God’s people.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline, in1999 and is survived by their children, Glenn Alan, Genevra Jane, Steven Ramon and James Russell.  Services will be held in Hope, Illinois, on Thursday, February 7.  Cards of sympathy may be sent to Glenn Miller at:  11939 Weddington Street, #312, Valley Village, CA, 91607.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Habitat for Humanity or the American Cancer Society.