Roland P. Miller, 1928-2010: Fifth Third vice president loved sports

9/20/2010

YUMA, Ariz. - Roland P. Miller, 82, a former Perrysburg resident who spent 28 years in banking before retiring as a vice president for Fifth Third Bank, died Sept. 8 at his home in Yuma, Ariz., from complications of a blood disorder.

His wife, Eva Miller, said the couple moved to Arizona in 2000 after he had triple bypass surgery and had suffered a fall and broken a hip.

Mr. Miller was a graduate of Waite High School, where he played football. He was a member of the YMCA's swim team in his youth and competed in regional meets.

He entered the Coast Guard after high school, becoming a bosun's mate 3rd class.

He received an associate's degree from the University of Toledo and graduated from Ohio State University's National School of Mortgage and Lending, his wife said.

His banking career included First National Bank of Toledo, which he joined in 1967, and was elected vice president of the consumer loan division in 1973. He later worked for the former Farmers Savings Bank in Oregon.

"His job was the main thing" in his life and "he worked many hours," his wife said.

After retirement, he took a job with a Toledo security firm.

Mr. Miller's son, Eric, said his father was involved in the athletic careers of both his sons, attending Little League baseball games, wrestling events, and football. His son Randy preceded his father in death.

Mr. Miller father avidly followed college and pro sports and would take his sons to football games at Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame. "My dad was a big sports fan," Eric Miller said.

And it didn't have to be big-name teams. He loved attending his grandsons' tae kwon do lessons.

While in Arizona, Mr. Miller would visit off-track betting sites and place friendly wagers on college and pro sports with his friends, Mrs. Miller said.

He was a member of Eastminster United Presbyterian Church in Toledo, where he was a deacon.

After moving to Yuma, he joined Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, where he again became a deacon. He also assisted with the summer Bible school and was active in the men's club there.

Surviving are his wife, Eva; son, Eric; daughters, Barbara Sutton and Karen Alberts, and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service is today at Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church in Yuma.

The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Yuma or Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church.