[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]David George Miller, 76, passed away on July 9, 2025, in Blue Ash, Ohio. A lifelong Ohioan, he was born on September 19, 1948, in Cincinnati to George and Dorothy Miller and raised in Morrow. He graduated from Little Miami High School in 1966 and went on to attend the University of Cincinnati. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, including a year-long tour in Vietnam. His sense of duty extended far beyond his military service, shaping a life devoted to advocacy and community engagement.
In 1970, David married his high school sweetheart, Donna Justison, beginning a loving partnership of 55 years. They built a family rooted in shared values of service and compassion. David is survived by his mother Dorothy Eleanora (Manne) Miller, his wife Donna Lynn (Justison) Miller; daughters Jennifer Renee Miller (Kyle Bush) and Katherine Marie (Miller) Kleinman (Brian); grandchildren Olivia Ruth Smith, Daniel Joseph Kleinman, and Ella Dorothy Kleinman; step-grandchildren Tyler D. Bush and Kayleigh J. Bush; his brother Robert (Betty) Miller; and sisters Susan Swearingen, Peggy Hostetter, and Barbara (Daryl) Hennessy. He was preceded in death by his infant granddaughter Julia Irene Smith, his twin brother Bruce Charles Miller, and his father George Charles Miller.
Though deeply engaged with his community through journalism and advocacy, David remained a paradox: intensely private, yet always publicly involved. He was a man of many talents and boundless curiosity. His creative spirit found its most enduring outlet in photography – a passion he often used to serve others. Until his passing, and for over two decades, he was the founder and editor of Loveland Magazine, a digital publication that became a vital voice for the people and issues of Loveland, Ohio. Through his lens and pen, David chronicled the life of his adopted hometown with care and conviction.
He was a familiar figure at Loveland Schools’ events, camera in hand, capturing moments from sports to scholarship ceremonies. His portraits of Loveland Senior Scholarship winners adorned the walls of Loveland High School for years, celebrating their achievements. In addition, he mentored aspiring young journalists through firsthand involvement with Loveland Magazine, leading several to launch careers through the opportunities and practical experiences for which he helped provide a platform.
David’s commitment to justice and sense of fairness was unwavering. He championed accessibility for individuals with developmental disabilities, using his platform to spotlight their stories. He volunteered as a photographer at Butler County Developmental Disability events such as the Best Buddies Walk and the Annual Community Recognition Awards—taking professional photos for no charge, to uplift the participants.
David’s most defining battle was his fight to preserve from development the Simpson Farm—a 41-acre stretch of native woodland in Loveland. From 1996 to 2000, he led a determined grassroots campaign against city officials who sought to sell the land despite public opposition. Through court battles, ballot initiatives, and tireless organizing, David helped secure a conservation covenant that protected Simpson Farm for future generations—a testament to his resolve and belief in civic power. This experience only fed his conviction that people and things (natural resources) without power need to be actively protected from the people who have power. To paraphrase Woody Guthrie, David believed that his job was to comfort disturbed people and to disturb comfortable people.
David’s commitment stretched across environmental causes, civil rights efforts, and community-building initiatives. His work garnered numerous accolades over the years—including the Chestnut Award from the Buckeye Forest Council for forest preservation; the Booth Spirit Award from Volunteers of America Ohio River Valley for building healthy communities: recognition from Housing Opportunities Made Equal for improving police community relations; a commendation from the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District for service on the Public Advisory Council; honors from the Little Miami Conservancy for river restoration efforts; an OHSAA Media Service Award; appreciation from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 649; recognition from Loveland High School Tiger Pathways for student mentorship; an Above and Beyond Award from the Loveland Athletic Boosters Club; first place from Everybody’s News Awards; photography honors from the Loveland Chamber of Commerce; and graduation from both Loveland and Cincinnati Citizens Police Academies. In addition to these achievements, David completed a full Flying Pig Marathon in 2001—just one more example of how he approached life with determination and heart.
Because he lived so authentically and generously, it is hard to convey what a void David leaves in the heart of his community and in the hearts of those who loved, relied upon, appreciated, respected, enjoyed, and were inspired by him. His legacy will resonate beyond his physical existence. It is defined by courage, creativity, compassion—and action. His life’s work stands as a powerful reminder that one person can indeed make a real difference when guided by principle and purpose.
He was – and is – deeply, deeply loved by the people whose lives he touched. None more so than his family, whose love for him knows no bounds, who miss him beyond measure, and always will.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who carry forward his vision for justice and community. A visitation was held on July 17, 2025 at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made in David’s memory to the LIFE Food Pantry (lifefoodpantry.org) in Loveland.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”td-default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
