Cory Miller

Cory Wayne Miller flew to his heavenly home on May 22, 2020, when his angel wings became visible. Cory was born on April 25, 1986, in Kennett, Missouri.  Cory will forever be remembered for his larger than life personality, and the guy who would give the shirt off his back to help a complete stranger. As he always said, “Life’s a garden, ya gotta dig it.”

Cory was one of those rare true friends that are hard to find, and once he considered you a friend, you became family.  Cory lived by the creed that blood doesn’t make family, and he made sure you knew.  A consistent part of knowing and loving Cory meant he would be there anytime his loved ones needed him.  He tended to be the first person many would turn to when in a bind, although they knew they might not like what he was gonna say.  He wasn’t known for mincing words; he’d shoot ya straight, but then become a valuable partner in helping solve whatever problem you faced.  One of Cory’s favorite things to do was cheer on his nieces in all their sports.

As much as Cory loved his friends and family, his world revolves around his two boys, “Hot Rod,” and “Fatty,” otherwise known as Caden and Carter.  Cory’s motivation for all that he did was driven by his love for them, and his determination to “raise good men.”  From “jamming out,” to hunting and fishing, both of his boys have special memories of time with their daddy.  When asked, some of Caden’s favorite times with his daddy include listening to music, playing games, camping, going out into the wild to hunt and fish, and simply talking with him.  Carter said he will miss going to work with his daddy, fishing, their special handshake, and giving him a hug.  Cory’s time and love was poured into both of his boys, and making sure they, along with his wife were able to live their best life.  Cory’s legacy will forever live on through his boys and the memories they will keep a lifetime.

Cory was the publications manager for Arkansas Wildlife and Louisiana Game Wardens.  Cory loved his job and met many friends throughout his career.   He was an avid supporter of all law enforcement.

Cory is survived by his wife, Katie Miller, and their two boys, Caden Wayne Miller, 11, and Carter Wyatt Miller, 4, of Beebe, all of whom he loved and cherished.  He is also survived by his mother, Melinda Joiner, of Ward, his honorary mother, Peggy Morris of Kennett, Missouri, his grandmother, Bonnie McGee, of Kennett, Missouri, his father-in-law, Otis (Dianna) Boggs Jr, of Hickory Plains, mother-in-law Brenda Bonham, of Beebe, sister, Samantha Miller, of Beebe, honorary sisters, Janice and Tonya, of Kennett, Missouri, honorary brothers, Bo Johnson, of Hickory Plains, Matthew (Whitney) Holland, of Conway, Bryan (Jessica) Elkins Jr. of Beebe, Tony (Jaila) Lockhart, of Beebe, and James and Bobby Burroughs, of Mt. Vernon.  He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.  Cory is preceded in death by his father, Michael McGee of Kennett, Missouri, and honorary father, Gary Morris, of Kennett, Missouri, along with his maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather.

Visitation for Cory will be held at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Monday, June 1, 10:00-2:00PM, with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 outside in the Mausoleum Chapel. State of Arkansas COVID-19 directives will be followed, including the requirement of face coverings and social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial fund for Caden and Carter, at Centennial Bank, in Beebe, Arkansas in the care of Katie Miller.  Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home.  www.westbrookfuneralhome.com