Griffith Lea Miller, 75, of Houston, TX entered into eternal life on October 7, 2017. He was born on February 23, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Griffith is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Belva Miller; his sister Sharon Calvert; and Sharon’s husband Gene Calvert. Griffith is survived by his wife, Kay Miller of Houston, TX; son Griffith Miller II and wife Rhonda of Cypress, TX; grandchildren Robert Miller and Ruth Miller of Cypress, TX; brother Jerry Miller and wife Jan of Carrollton, TX; sisters-in-law Nina Walters, Susie Smallwood, and Beth Duncan; and numerous other family and friends.

Griffith Miller was a well-known and sought-after public school teacher, with a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Texas, and a Master of Arts degree from West Texas State University. He taught for 31 years, starting in 1966 as a band and orchestra director in Amarillo ISD, continuing in 1970 as an orchestra director in Spring Branch ISD, and in 1982 as an orchestra director in Alief ISD. During the span of his career, his bands and orchestras were widely recognized for their exceptional performances, winning many sweepstakes in UIL and other competitions. During the 1990-1991 school year, he directed the Hastings High School Orchestra, which was chosen to be the High School Honor String Orchestra of the Texas Music Educators’ Association. His primary instrument was bass trombone, which he played in The University of Texas Longhorn Band while working on his undergraduate degree, when he and Kay met.

Griffith taught in the Amarillo ISD (Crockett Junior High School and Carver High School); Spring Branch ISD (Memorial Junior High School, Westchester Junior High School, Westchester High School, and Stratford High School); and Alief ISD (Holub Middle School, Olle Middle School, and Hastings High School).

In addition to music, Griffith’s skills and interests included automobiles, skeet shooting, calligraphy and music engraving, and anything related to tools. He liked helping people, and helped many a friend get their car back on the road. During retirement, he went on to become a nationally-certified skeet instructor, where he also exhibited his exceptional teaching talent.

Griffith’s influence continues on in the lives of countless family members, friends, and students.