Wyman L. Miller Jr.

Wyman L. Miller Jr., 78, a 40 year resident of Fort Myers, was called home by our Lord on Sunday, August 15, 2021, following an extended illness. Wyman passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Wyman was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 21, 1943, to Wyman L. Sr. and Pauline (Hogle) Miller. As a youth, Wyman was a paperboy and worked for the local farmers helping pick corn during harvest season. This work experience, at such a young age, helped to develop a strong work ethic throughout his life. He graduated in 1961 from Central Catholic High School, in Toledo, Ohio. Wyman was a member of the Glee Club and lead singer in all the school musicals throughout his high school years. Above all his extracurricular activities, Wyman’s passion was football. He played on the Varsity Team all four years as offensive and defensive tackle. In his senior year he was Co-Captain, MVP and made All City and All State 1st Team. After high school he attended the University of Toledo where he continued to play football, and later attended University of Wisconsin-Parkside. On August 26, 1961, Wyman married his lifelong best friend and high school sweetheart, Paulette Burkard. The year 1961 marked the beginning of Wyman’s career. He started working for the Ohio Government, with duties in the Civil Defense Department for Lucas County. He stayed there until 1964 then moved to Deputy Treasurer for the county’s Treasury Department. After his time with the County Government, he went on to work in Distributions at the Post Office in Toledo, Ohio. In 1969, Wyman took the position of Programmer with Kiser Jeep/American Motors. He advanced through the company over the next twelve years, leading to several corporate promotions. During his automotive career, Wyman’s family relocated from Toledo, Ohio to New Berlin, Wisconsin in 1975; followed by Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1977. Wyman and his family moved to Fort Myers Beach, Florida in 1981. He started a new career with a joint venture with his sister-in-law and her husband, Tom and Fran Myers. They opened and operated several successful retail businesses on Fort Myers Beach; “The Sand Dollar” a women’s apparel store and “Heaven to 7” with the addition of a children’s and men’s department. During this time Tom and Fran purchased the Red Coconut RV Park on Fort Myers Beach and Wyman was the first person they hired. He became the General Manager/CEO and worked there until his retirement in 2013 at the age of 70, following 30 years of service to the company. Wyman was a devout Catholic and in 1990 when he moved off the island into his current home in Fort Myers, he joined Our Lady of Light Catholic Community Church. Wyman served as a Eucharistic Minister for over 20 years. Wyman was a Knights of Columbus Charter Member of Council 10498 OLOL where he served as Grand Knight and former District Deputy. Wyman also was a member of the 4th Degree Assembly 2542 Our Lady of the Rosary. Wyman also served on the board of directors of the Catholic education awareness fund for the Knights of Columbus. When he was not working to take care of his family or serving his church, Wyman had many interests. During his time in Ohio, he would go deer and bear hunting in the upper peninsula of Michigan in the fall. He enjoyed a nice game of golf, watching boxing matches, or attending hockey and football games. When hockey finally came to Fort Myers in 1998 Wyman became a season ticket holder for the Florida Everblades and a member of their Booster Club. Wyman enjoyed attending the out of state bus trips and rarely missed a home game. Wyman enjoyed spending weekends in his pool and working in his yard, keeping it well manicured. He would always be heard singing or whistling at family cookouts while being around his grill. Wyman was a kind, fair and honest man. He had a great sense of humor and lived his life to the fullest. Wyman is survived by his loving wife Paulette Miller, of 60 years, his three daughters: Angela (Tom) Finau, Sandra (Scott) Glase, Pamela (Ivan) Bestrom; seven grandchildren: Tommy, Amanda, Michael, Nicholas, Christina, Catherine and Sarah; and 3 great-granddaughters, Rebecca, Rachel, and Rowan. Also surviving is his sister, Brook Miller Jones along with several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in Estero. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Our lady of Light Knights of Columbus Council #10498 (Catholic Education Awareness Fund). To sign Wyman's guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated since 1978.

Wyman L. Miller Jr.

April 21, 1943 - August 15, 2021