George Jabez Miller, 93, of Moline Illinois passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at his home in Overlook Village, Moline.  Memorial services for George will be held at Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline on Saturday July 1st. Visitation will be at 10am at the funeral home, followed by services at 11am.  The burial will be at noon at Greenview Memorial Gardens in East Moline.

George was born July 16, 1929 in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, to Mabel and William Miller. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from high school in Ireland, and then completed trade school to become a pipe fitter. George then worked at the Harland and Wolff shipyards in Belfast, the same shipyard that built the Titanic.

George immigrated to the United States in 1949 at the age of 20 and met the love of his life, Marie Louise DeSmet. After convincing her to leave her then beau, George and Marie married on April 17, 1951 in the rectory at St. Mary's Church Moline, only a few weeks after meeting. Their love story was one that was unending, with each rarely leaving each other's side for the entirety of their 72 years of marriage.  Both George and Marie were members of Christ the King Catholic Church, Moline.

In 1986, George retired from Deere and Company as Utilities Maintenance Supervisor. Unable to sit still, he went on to work at Johnson Contracting. George was an avid golfer and volunteered for the John Deere Classic Golf Tournament for 34 years. His proudest moment in golf came after a hole in one in 1997, at Golf Mohr Golf Course.

George served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was able to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2018. Four generations of Miller men, George, his son Bob, his grandson Marc, and great-grandson Brayden joined him that day; which became a proud family moment for the extended Miller Family.

George and Marie traveled extensively during their marriage. They vacationed in many states in the U.S and countries abroad, including: Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii. These trips captured their hearts and kept them in touch with family. In July 1992, George and Marie took the entire family on a Caribbean cruise, memories of which continue to make everyone in the family laugh.  George loved to dance with Marie, play cards, and cut a joke. He truly was up for anything, and would try anything.  Only days before his passing, George was singing to Frank Sinatra with his family and beloved Marie, mouthing the words "I love you" and answering when asked what was most important to him, to which he replied, "family".

George was a well-loved man not only by his family, but everyone he met, as no one was a stranger to him. He had an amazing zest for life, a true heart of gold, and as a rule, never complained. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  George loved all things Irish and had a great pride for his heritage that the Miller family will continue.

George is survived by his wife Marie of Moline. Daughters Debra Miller, Davenport, Iowa, and Barbara Metzger (Dave), Raleigh, North Carolina, son Robert Miller (Jayle), Box Elder, South Dakota, and sister-in-law Margaret Miller, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Grandchildren: Barrett Miller (Ashley) Seattle, Washington, Jamie Miller, Davenport, Stephanie Witt (Carter Nicholson), Bettendorf, Alison Schluenz (Matt) Bettendorf, Marc Miller (Tiffani) Tucson, Arizona, Chelsea Donovan, Raleigh, North Carolina, Chad Metzger (Allaina) Raleigh, North Carolina, Carin Hall (Josh) Greensboro, North Carolina.

Great grandchildren: Madeline Witt, Alyssa Witt, Brayden Miller (Samantha), Savannah Skinner (Justin), Kayden Rodriguez, Finley Schluenz, Soren Miller, Welden, Brady, and Lenny Metzger, Jackson, Bridger, and Reese Hall, great-great grandson Greyson Skinner, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Richard, sisters Ruth Aiken, Laura Heaney, and Eunice (Cherry) Russell, brothers Jimmy Miller and Samuel Miller.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in George's name.

Our hearts are broken, but our memories will last forever.  We will all miss you.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com