Obituaries

George Edward Miller, M.D., 85, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at Rosedale Green, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 16, 1940, George lived a life defined by quiet excellence, deep kindness, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. He was soft-spoken, never raised his voice, and had a wonderfully dry sense of humor that caught people by surprise. Those who worked with him—and the countless patients he cared for—remember him as approachable, deeply compassionate, and universally respected.

George devoted more than 35 years to medicine as a General, Vascular, and Thoracic Surgeon. A graduate of the University of Toronto and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, he completed a rigorous seven-year surgical residency and went on to become one of the early pioneers of laparoscopic surgery. His work was meaningful to him; providing care and helping others was not just his profession, but his calling. Medicine was central to George’s life, and he practiced it with humility and integrity.

It was at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood where George met the love of his life, Paula—a registered nurse on the medical-surgical floor. George famously began sending patients her way just to see her, a story the family lovingly refers to as his not-so-subtle “courtship strategy.” After dating for two and a half years, they were married in 1989 and joined their families and children together. George and Paula also worked side by side for 11 years in his private practice, forming a true partnership both at home and in their professional lives.

Family adventures were a treasured part of George’s life. Ski trips to Aspen and Snowmass, beach vacations in the Caribbean, sailing excursions, and even a memorable and slightly harrowing trip from Miami to Bimini during Hurricane Andrew (while Paula was pregnant with Michael) were all part of the family’s shared stories. Wherever he was, George found ways to help, providing medical care to those injured or ill, even while on vacation.

Outside of medicine, George had a deep love for classical music and in his early undergrad years of college, played clarinet and piano. He was an accomplished skier, a college hockey player at the University of Toronto, and an avid scuba diver. His curiosity, discipline, and quiet joy for life carried through everything he did.

George was a member of the Northern Kentucky Medical Society and the American College of Surgeons. His legacy lives on not only through his professional achievements, but through the countless lives he touched with kindness, patience, and care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris Miller, M.D., and Sylvia Miller (née Geddes).

George is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Paula Miller; his children by his first marriage, Daniel Miller, Aaron Miller, Sara Miller Witt; Courtney (Cooper) Sawyer, Wesley “Mitch” Deters, and Michael (Autumn) Miller; his sister, Lori Messing; and his 13 cherished grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Linnemann Funeral Homes in Erlanger, Kentucky. A brief service will follow at 7:00 p.m. George will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

Memorial contributions may be made in George’s honor to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra:
https://secure.cincinnatisymphony.org/donate/i/honor-memorial