ROCKPORT — Howard Lee Miller, 103, died peacefully on March 1, 2024 at his home. Born February 4, 1921 in Rowan County, North Carolina, he was the son of Herbert Craig and Stella Rhyne Miller.

Howard was commissioned as an ensign in the USN while a junior at North Carolina State University from which he earned a ceramic engineering degree in 1942. He married Gladys Beatty in 1943, the day she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

They began their sixty-six-year adventure together in NYC where Howard plied his engineering acumen on naval vessel optics. Following WWII, he continued to work as an engineer for Libby Owens Ford (Toledo, Ohio and Charleston, West Virginia) and Owens Corning Fiberglass (Newark, Ohio and Aiken, South Carolina).

Howard enjoyed a lifelong interest in the enjoyment and study of classical music, particularly Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. He was involved in the financial development for three pipe organs, two in Maine (Camden and Thomaston) and one in Aiken, South Carolina. He was active with Bay Chamber and hosted conservatory students for many summers.

With his wife, he traveled extensively throughout six continents, was active in his churches (Lutheran and Episcopal), and with his family, read voraciously, enjoyed photography, and practiced good stewardship of life. While in Maine he took great joy in coastal views and watching sailing craft, lobster boats, and wildlife.

Howard was predeceased by his wife, Gladys of 66 years; brother Herbert C. Miller formerly of Christiansburg, Virginia; sister Katherine Arthur, formerly of Gastonia, North Carolina; and two infant brothers.

Mr. Miller is survived by one son, The Reverend William Beatty Miller-Zurell and his wife The Reverend Mary Beth Miller-Zurell of Hickory, North Carolina; one daughter Elizabeth A. Miller of Saluda, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Shannon Rose Tallent (Cory) of Lexington, South Carolina, D. Evan Johnson (McKenzie) of Lexington, South Carolina, Gabriel D. Miller (Tabitha) of Louisville, Kentucky, Bob A. Miller-Camp (Jess) of Bloomington, Indiana; and four great grandchildren.

Mr. Miller’s cremated remains will rest along with the cremated remains of Mrs. Miller in the memorial garden of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, in Thomaston, Maine, The Reverend Peter Jenks officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 200 Main Street, Thomaston, ME 04861.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Miller family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.