George Thomas Miller

George Thomas “Tom” Miller (3/12/46 to 12/21/19) passed away suddenly while skiing at Arizona Snowbowl. Tom was born in Albany, NY, and attended SUNY Cortland and the University of Bridgeport. He had a long career as a college football coach who worked at the Citadel, Dartmouth, Davidson and the University of Bridgeport before going to the United States Air Force Academy, where he was on staff for 23 years. While at USAFA, he coached the defensive line and outside linebackers. He coordinated special teams. After his death, the USAFA issued a press release, acknowledging Tom’s work, as he was a mentor, friend and role model to the student-athletes he coached. Tom later went to CSU Pueblo as assistant head coach and helped launch their new football program. In 2013 Tom married Debbie Pardee in Colorado and they moved to Arizona in 2015. He was the Athletic Director and head football coach at Sedona Red Rock High School. Later, he was a substitute teacher at Mingus Union High School and recently was hired as a ski instructor at Snowbowl. Tom loved hiking, biking, golf, fly fishing and skiing. Debbie and Tom spent a lot of time hiking in the Grand Canyon. He loved live music and Sunday mornings at the Red Rooster Café. He loved his dog Sigmund. Tom was preceded in death by his son Michael and his parents, Antoinette “Etta” and George Miller. In addition to Debbie, Tom leaves behind his daughter Emily Miller (Renee), son Bo Miller (Jordyn), and step-son, Alex Lineberry (Zoey); beloved grandchildren; Bella, Damian, Oaklynn, Reef, Aurora and Eleanor; sister Sue Colthurst (Eric), brother Steve Miller, nieces and nephews, and many cousins. A memorial is planned for January 18, 2 – 4 pm, at Oak Creek Country Club in the Village of Oak Creek. Donations in Tom’s name may be made to the Grand Canyon Conservatory (www.grandcanyon.org).