Alexander Harlan Miller

Alexander Harlan Miller, 54, of San Diego California died in July 2024 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in 1970 near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jaydee Williams Miller and Katherine Elmers Lord who precede him in death. Growing up with his sister Margaret in an old stone house in Wallingford Pennsylvania, he was known as “Sandy” by his  beloved neighborhood and many family friends.

Alex graduated from Lehigh University in 1992 where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering. He worked at Bethlehem Steel before joining the Marines in 1993. He  was commissioned in 1994 and completed naval aviation flight training and KC-130 pilot training in 1996, eventually earning qualification as a KC-130 Aircraft Commander. His call sign “Smiley”  perfectly captured his spirit. He deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He separated from active duty in 2004 as a Major and retired from the  Marine Corp Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. Alex received numerous awards including the Air Medal-Strike/Flight (Numeral “2”); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with 2 stars);  National Defense Service Medal (with 1 star); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Sea Service Deployment Medal (2); the Presidential Unit Citation; and the Navy Unit Commendation.

Alex enjoyed a career as Chief Engineer, MQ-9A International Programs at General Atomics (GA) where he was able to excel by merging his engineering studies with his experience as a pilot. He adored his GA colleagues who supported him throughout his cancer treatments. 

Alex enjoyed many hobbies in his life. He loved fast cars, gardening and cooking, which went well with his fabulous wine collection. Most of all he enjoyed traveling around the world, hitting his bucket list with Holly and all their kids. He was especially proud they were able to accomplish these travels in style, first-class of course. These trips will be remembered for a lifetime by his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Holly Draper Miller, his daughter Rachel, son Jack and daughter Ainsley, his  step-sons Parker and Davis, step-daughter Nikki and her husband Matt, his sister Margaret (Miller) Martsching and brother-in-law Bradley Martsching, nephews Hayden and Zach, and niece  Madeline, his uncle Chip Lord, his wife Beth Haas, and their daughter Sophia Zamudio-Haas.

The family will host a funeral mass Friday October 4th at San Rafael Parish, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128 from 12-1pm.

A 30 minute Marine military honors service will follow at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 starting promptly at 2:00pm.

A celebration of life will follow at the Miramar Officers Club, 4472 Anderson Ave, San Diego, CA from 3-5pm. Anyone wishing to attend is required to register with the family in advance, as entrance to this military venue requires a background check. Thank you.

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