Terry Lee Miller, 70, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, after a life marked by challenges, perseverance, and the enduring love of family.
Born in 1956, Terry graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1974 and attended college at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO for one year. Terry’s life was not measured by professional accomplishments or worldly success, but by the relationships that sustained him and the love of family that never left him.
Terry loved to sing and play his guitar for family or for the nursing home staff, and he enjoyed sports of all kinds, but especially loved listening to and watching Royals and Chiefs games. He also loved listening to his CDs on his boom box, which was nearly impossible to replace on a monthly basis every time it got lost, damaged or stolen.
While mental illness shaped much of Terry’s adult life, it did not define the entirety of who he was. He was a beloved brother, son, uncle, and family member who remained deeply connected to those who loved him most.
Through every challenge, his family remained by his side, and he knew he was cherished.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Cookie Miller, and his beloved big sister, Sharon Gates. He is survived by his loving sisters, Jan and Debbie, along with many extended family members, nieces and nephews, and even 4 great great nephews, who will remember him with affection and compassion.
The family finds comfort in knowing that Terry is now free from the burdens he carried for so many years and is at peace at last. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and faithfully walked beside him throughout his journey.
We will celebrate Terry’s life on Friday, July 10th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO. We will be including a remembrance of his sister Sharon’s life at this service as well. There will be a visitation at 1:00, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00. A brief graveside service will follow immediately afterward at Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Oak Grove, MO.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO.