Longtime Adrian Resident Donald Ray Miller Dies at 83

Miller was an avid golfer and hunter who spent over 40 years working at a local mill before retiring to Tennessee.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Donald Ray Miller, an 83-year-old resident of Adrian, Michigan, passed away on March 4, 2026 at Brookdale of Adrian. Born in Ann Arbor in 1942, Miller graduated from South Lyon High School and spent over 40 years working as a mill operator at the former Quanex Michigan Seamless Tube before retiring. He was an avid golfer, snowmobiler, and hunter, once being recognized for a 21-point prize buck. Miller is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda, their four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Why it matters

Donald Ray Miller's passing marks the end of an era for a longtime Adrian resident and community member who was known for his outgoing personality, active lifestyle, and long career at a local manufacturing plant. His story reflects the changing demographics and economic landscape of small Michigan towns over the past several decades.

The details

A native of South Lyon, Donald Ray Miller graduated from South Lyon High School in 1960 and married his wife Linda in 1963. He worked as a mill operator at the former Quanex Michigan Seamless Tube for 43 years until his retirement, and was a proud member of the Local 1900 union in South Lyon. In retirement, Miller and his wife moved to Crossville, Tennessee before returning to Michigan in 2020 to be closer to family in Lenawee County.

  • Donald Ray Miller was born on May 1, 1942 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Miller graduated from South Lyon High School in 1960.
  • Miller married his wife Linda on April 27, 1963.
  • Miller worked at the Quanex Michigan Seamless Tube for 43 years until his retirement.
  • Miller passed away on March 4, 2026 at the age of 83.

The players

Donald Ray Miller

An 83-year-old resident of Adrian, Michigan who worked for over 40 years at a local mill before retiring.

Linda May Bulmon Miller

Donald Ray Miller's wife of 62 years.

Quanex Michigan Seamless Tube

The manufacturing plant where Donald Ray Miller worked for 43 years as a mill operator before retiring.

Local 1900

The union that Donald Ray Miller was a proud member of during his time working at the Quanex Michigan Seamless Tube.

Brookdale of Adrian

The senior living facility where Donald Ray Miller passed away on March 4, 2026.

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The takeaway

Donald Ray Miller's life story reflects the changing economic and demographic landscape of small Michigan towns over the past several decades, as longtime manufacturing jobs and community ties gave way to retirement and relocation. His active lifestyle and close-knit family highlight the enduring values of hard work, family, and an adventurous spirit that defined many residents of the region.