Marvin Miller

Weslaco: Marvin Edward Miller Sr., 81, passed away on Friday, January 13th, 2023, at his home in Weslaco. Marvin was born on February 27th, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, to Johnny Franklin and Thelma (Garrett) Miller. Marvin spent his childhood in Georgia on his family’s peanut farm. When the Miller family lost their farm to a fire, they moved to Ocala, Florida. Marvin joined the US Navy shortly after graduating from high school. After being honorably discharged, Marvin attended The University of Florida, where he met his future wife, Maxine, and earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology. 

Marvin was offered a job at Texas A&M Experimental Station in Weslaco. So, the couple moved to the Rio Grande Valley, where they raised their two sons. Marvin spent the rest of his career as a Plant Pathology professor and researcher.

Marvin had lots of hobbies. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. In addition, Marvin was a talented woodworker, craftsman, and painter. He built the Miller family home in Weslaco and has lived there for forty-seven years. 

Marvin was also a great cook and his hushpuppies were legendary. 

Marvin and his children lost Maxine to lung cancer in 2000. He met Mercedes Ortiz at work and spent the rest of their lives together. 

Marvin was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Weslaco, where he served as an Elder. He was patient, kind, and a great example to his children and grandchildren. 

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Thelma Miller, wife, Maxine, brother, James Franklin Miller; and sisters, Fran and Ann Miller. 

He is survived by his wife, Mercedes Miller, sons, Marvin Miller Jr. (Ayslinn) and Michael Miller (Kayla), step-sons, Juan Luis (Bethany) and Juan Antonio Campos (Yen), granddaughter, Morgan Maxine Miller, step-grandchildren, Oaklee and Mason Hix and Evelyn and Mason Campos, and nephews, Jeff and Steve Miller. 

The family would like to recognize Bethany Nelson and Elsa Pinon for their relentless efforts in his final days.