Gardner Eugene ("Gene") Miller, 84, of Grenada, Mississippi joined his Lord and Savior at home on the evening of May 26, 2020.  Gene, or "Hard Rock" as some called him from his early days, left this earth a few hundred feet from where he was born on January 4, 1936.  Gene purchased the farm in 1973, unaware, until his mother told him, that she "warmed his little bottom right there" at the chimney that still stands today. It was not their family's home so only God could make that happen.

Gene graduated from John Rundle High School in Grenada and hitchhiked, literally, to Mississippi State University on a baseball scholarship.  A baseball injury prevented him from playing but he continued to complete his four years for his Business Degree.

Gene married the love of his life, Bobbye Sue Collins, on July 14, 1957; they were married just shy of 63 years.

Gene served in the National Guard and sold life insurance for Metropolitan Life until joining Binswanger Mirror company in 1962.  At Binswanger, Gene filled several roles until he retired as General Manager at the age of 55.  For the next 10 years he pursued his love of cattle farming full time, until leasing his farm to a man he would learn to love and later become his son-in-law.

Gene loved Grenada and was an active community leader, serving as President of both the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce.  Church had always been a big part of Gene's and Bobbye Sue's lives over the years.  Most recent years they have been active members of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where Gene was a deacon (inactive), as well as Sunday School class until health prevented their attendance.

Gene was an avid hunter and an excellent shot.  He loved to fish and hunt on his farm and go on fishing and camping trips with several close families from church.  He also enjoyed going on mission trips with the church.  He thought the moon hung for his kids and only grandchild.  Gene looked forward to his monthly Spa Day he would share with his wife where a dear family member, Kaley Mabus, would visit and treat them.

Gene is survived by his wife, Bobbye Sue Miller; son, Calvin Gene Miller (Joy), daughter Cindy Miller Bowers (James); grandson Jonathan Paul Miller; sisters, Pat Smart (David), Faye Mitchell (Sutt); sister-in-law Barbara Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Louise Carpenter Miller; brother, Charles H. (Chuck) Miller; father-in-law Curtis Collins and mother-in-law Dorothy Ware Collins.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2020, with Dr. Brent Barker of Emmanuel Baptist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Emmanuel Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Horn Lake, the church home of his son, Reverend Calvin Miller. The family wishes to thank the caregivers Clotee Spearman, Carolyn Edget, RonTerrica Ray, Charlene Kincaide, Jennifer Laster, Versie Welch, and Donna Roberts, who provided tender loving care throughout his later years and continue to provide loving care to Bobbye Sue.

Arrangements were entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada.