Steven Ray Miller's Obituary
Steven Ray Miller, Steve to most, crossed the finish line of life on June 18, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas, after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 70 years young and lived every one of those years with a full tank and a wide-open throttle.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 2, 1955, Steve had a lifelong need for speed. As a teenager and young adult, he raced go-karts all over Oklahoma, and his love for racing only grew from there. Dirt tracks were his happy place—especially when sprint cars, late models, or modifieds were flying by. He didn’t just love to watch; he understood every rumble, every turn, and every engine roar. If there was racing on, Steve was tuned in.
He graduated from Farmington High School in 1973, where he and his high school sweetheart, Kathy Byford, were voted “Who’s Who Cutest Couple.” They married later that same year on August 10, and never looked back. It was a love story with horsepower and heart.
Together they raised two daughters, Melissa Miller and Stefanie DePew (married to Craig DePew), and Steve was a proud and loving girl dad. He had a special bond with his daughters—Melissa was his in-house barber, dishing out buzz cuts and laughs, and Stefanie shared his love for racetracks and concession stand food.
His pride didn’t stop with his daughters. He adored his granddaughters—Sydney, Taylor, and Olivia—and supported them in everything they did. Whether it was basketball games for Sydney, rodeos and barrel racing for Taylor, or softball and show pig shows for Olivia, “Papa Steve” was there cheering with a smile and probably a Tootsie Pop in hand.
Steve was the kind of guy who had cool cars in high school, great music playing from the garage (mostly the best of the ’70s and ’80s), and occasionally busted out some dance moves when the mood struck. He had a flair for hairstyling too—yes, even experimenting with a straightener now and then—and loved to keep things fresh.
A creative soul, Steve was also a talented woodworker, crafting both furniture and art that now fill the home he shared with Kathy in Fayetteville. His hands could build just about anything, and he had a knack for turning a simple piece of wood into something beautiful.
For over 31 years, Steve worked at Williams Tractor, where he was known for his hard work, dedication, and his steady, friendly presence. He never met a work order he didn’t like. Prior to WT, he worked at Northwest Tobacco & Candy company from 1975-1994.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Novelle Miller, and his brother Dennis Miller. He is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, daughters Melissa and Stefanie, son-in-law Craig, granddaughters Sydney, Taylor, and Olivia, and his dear sister Kathy Elaine Miller, whom he loved and cared for deeply—including making sure she always had supper and Andy’s Ice Cream.
And let’s not forget Amy & GusGus, his four-legged friends. Kathy Elaine knows that Amy will miss him, and GusGus always looked forward to sharing cinnamon toast with papa Steve.
Steve had a sweet tooth the size of a race track—he loved Chick-O-Sticks, Twinkies, Zebra Cakes, and anything with sugar (as long as it wasn’t the sugar-free kind). He lived life full-throttle, with a big heart, a quick wit, and the kind of kindness you don’t forget.
He was deeply loved. He will be fiercely missed. He was a faithful member at Calvary Baptist church, and a dedicated sound technician for most worship services. As a believer in Christ, we can’t wait to see him again in heaven.
Visitation will be 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday June 20, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Funeral service will be 10:00 am Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church with burial to follow in Farmington Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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