LJ Miller Obituary

LJ Miller, 91, of Farmington passed away on February 27, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on May 23, 1933 in Wardell, MO. LJ Miller was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Hester Miller; his siblings: Sam, Mittie, Nellie (Clyde) Wilson, Cora(Gene) Barnes, Dolly (Vetus) Montgomery, John (Kathryn) Miller, and Doyle (Mary) Miller; his in-laws, Robert and Clara Gilliland, his brother-in-law, Bud Stills and his sisters-in-law, Betty (Robert) Coale and Sandra Gilliland.

 LJ was born in Wardell, MO, in 1933. He graduated from Wardell High School in 1951 and spent his early years working alongside his family on their small cotton farm. He often shared stories of picking cotton for $2 per 100 pounds and chopping cotton for 30 cents an hour. Those formative years instilled in him a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life.

 After graduating, LJ played in a town baseball league in Arkansas. He was paid $10 per game to pitch, along with gas money, a modest but important income that allowed him to pursue his love for the sport.

 In 1956, LJ met the love of his life, Barbara Gilliland, at the Pemiscot County Fair. He often bragged this was the best day of his life. The couple married and moved to Esther, MO, in 1958, where they began their journey together in the construction business. In 1966, they settled in Bonne Terre, where they built several projects including the Maison DeVille Motel & Restaurant and Commerce Bank of Bonne Terre. He then began work in Iron County at the various mines. He often attributed this as his initial success. In 1969, they founded SFC Homes in Bonne Terre and later moved the business to Farmington in 1971. Over the years, LJ built over 700 homes and 3,000 apartments, taking immense pride in knowing that each home provided a foundation for families to build their own memories.

 In 1977, LJ purchased 77 acres in Farmington, where he developed Harlan Estates, a place where countless families would eventually call home. He also developed several other properties in the area, including Woodchase Townhouses, Whispering Pines Apartments, and Mill Springs Townhouses, all of which remain family-owned and operated.

 LJ was deeply invested in his community, serving on the Board of Directors for Commerce Bank for over 20 years, as well as on the North St. Francois County School Board and the Farmington City Council. Through his leadership, he worked tirelessly to make the Parkland a better place. In 2018, he was recognized for these efforts by the City of Farmington with a Distinguished Citizen Award. 

 LJ had a passion for the outdoors. He cherished his time hunting, fishing, and traveling with Barbara. But his greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. You never had to worry about what LJ was thinking; he would be sure to tell you. You could always count on him to pester his grandkids and make them laugh. His family meant the world to him, and he often said the best part of life was watching them grow.

 LJ leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara Miller, with whom he shared a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. He is also survived by his son, Glenn (Linda) Miller, and daughter, Pam (Mark) Heisel. His five grandchildren — Kyle (Aaron) McDowell, Jamie (Dustin) Brune, Keeley (Walker) Williamson, Jenny (Ryan) Blankenship, and Sam (Taylor) Miller — were the pride of his life. He was a doting great-grandfather to 11 great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Sawyer McDowell, Axtin and Trigg Brune, Weston and Brodey Williamson, Nolan and Addyson Blankenship, Monroe, Carter, and Lincoln Miller, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

 LJ is also survived by his sister, Linda (Jerry) Patterson; brothers-in-law, Bobby Gilliland and Bruce (Pattie) Gilliland; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Roy) Berghaus and Bonita (Butch) Mahurin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will remember him for his sharp wit, generous spirit, and unwavering love.

 Visitation will be on Monday, March 3, 2025 at C.Z. Boyer Funeral Home – Farmington Chapel from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 9:00 am until the time of service at 10:30 am officiated by Pastor Dennis Conway. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leadington.  In lieu of flowers, all donations in memory of LJ can be made to the Farmington School District CTA Cares Backpack Program or Pink Penguin Project, a local non profit that provides a range of essential items, support services and builds a strong community of individuals who care for local people undergoing cancer treatments. 

 To virtually donate and learn more about this caring organization, click here:https://www.pinkpenguinproject.org/how-you-can-help/All checks may be mailed to: Pink Penguin Project3372 Springbrook Farms Rd. Farmington, MO 63640