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Robert C. Miller, age 77 of Homosassa, Fla., formerly of Middlesboro, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012, at his home.

He was born January 10, 1935, in Middlesboro, and was the son of the late Robert H. and Viola Marsee Miller.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Brian Southern; a sister, Frances Wilson; and two brothers, Gene and Charles Miller.

Bob began his collegiate career at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, obtaining a bachelor of science degree. He earned a master of science at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Additionally, he was a PHD candidate in geology at UT. He also earned a master of arts degree in education at Union College in Barbourville. He was a member of Sigma Gamma Epsilon Honor Society. He was a veteran of the US Air Force specializing in air weather service. Bob was also an Honorary Kentucky Colonel.

His geological career led him to the United States Geological Survey, Mobile Oil, and Exxon Oil. His educational career included teaching and administration in Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Kuwait.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Pearman Miller; daughter, Kimberly Damron of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Brandon, Sabrina, and Ally Damron of Knoxville, Tenn., and Alexander Southern of Avon, Ind.; brother, Tom Miller of Middlesboro; nieces, Pat Cawood of Middlesboro and Missy Bakies of Harrogate, Tenn.; nephews, Charlie Miller and David Wilson, both of Clearwater, Fla.; brothers-in-law, Gawain, Otto, Norman, and Auburn Pearman; and sister-in-law, Ramona Tuttle.

Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wendall Stoneburner officiating. Music will be provided by Steve Gulley and Thomassa Risner.

Entombment will be at Green Hills Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be his nephews: Bob, Jim and John Weaver, Auburn Pearman Jr., David Wilson and Ron Bakies.

The family will receive friends 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church, 8831 W. Bradshaw St., Homosassa, FL 34448 or Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612.

Shumate Funeral Home was entrusted with all arrangements.

Guestbook at www.shumatefuneralhome.com