Gene Paul Miller was born on February 26, 1951 in Hot Springs, South Dakota and was the only child of Maurine and Fred Miller. Following Fred’s untimely passing, Gene was also raised by Robert Lamley whom Maurine later married on August 6, 1966.
Gene graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1969, and would later attend a business program in college.
In his adult life, Gene also served with the National Guard where he was deployed in 1972 to aid the Rapid City area with flood control & clean-up. Afterward, he began work for a sale barn in Kimball, SD and later went on to become an auctioneer. Gene also had a passion for people that was evident during his time as a bartender. In more recent years, Gene moved to Sturgis where he lived and cared for his mother and step-father until their passing.
Some of his hobbies included darts, pool, baseball, rodeo, reading, assembling puzzles, and being an avid outdoorsman. If he were out on the town he could be found wearing a pair of cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, a pearl snap shirt, and the infamous Stetson cologne he loved. You might even catch him singing “The Auctioneer” on karaoke night at the local watering hole with Johnny Walker Red in hand. Friends near and far could reminisce about humorous wildlife adventures with Gene as he was an avid hunter throughout his life. Though he didn’t travel outside of South Dakota often, he began his retirement by going to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the National Finals Rodeo in 1999. During his downtime, Gene could often be found reading a good Western or piecing together a jigsaw puzzle.
Gene leaves behind a step-daughter, Alicia (Jeffrey) Craig of Walford, IA, and two step-grandchildren. He is also survived by special friend, Susan Miller of Sturgis and countless companions. Preceding him in death were his parents Maurine (Bob) Lamley and Fred Miller, cousin and cohort Don Miller, and an infant son Baby Boy Miller.
After the service we are having a remembrance gathering of family and friends at the Vet’s Club located at 868 Main St, Sturgis, SD 57785 at 4 pm.
Friends may sign his online guestbook at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.
