Claude Miller, Jr. (Lansing)

Mr. Claude Lee Miller, Jr.’s name was called by God on Sunday, July 31, 2022, in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 72. He was born December 11, 1949, to parents, Katherine and Claude Lee Miller, Sr., in Chicago, Illinois.

Claude, known to those who knew him well, as “Punch”, moved to Lansing, Michigan soon after birth with his family. He became a lifelong resident of Lansing, attending West Junior High School and then graduating from Lansing Sexton High School. Punch swam competitively for both schools. Later he would attend Lansing Community College before going onto work for Cell Powers/Dana Corporation in St. Johns, Michigan. Punch was employed with the company for 39 years before retiring.

In his spare time, Punch enjoyed doting on his wife, Betty, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed attending family events, traveling to Chicago, Cedar Point trips and outings at Lake Lansing, all with family.  Punch loved watching college and professional basketball, football, and other sports as well as supporting his children and grandchildren in their sports. He also enjoyed going to the casino.

Punch was known as “dad” or “daddy” to many of the neighborhood kids. Watching them grow up, he taught them how to fix cars, throw footballs, play basketball, and most importantly, to stand up for what they believed in and to be respectful.

He will be truly missed but never forgotten.

Punch leaves to cherish his memory, loving wife of 52 years, Betty Miller of Lansing, Michigan; sons, Lamar (Jayme) Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Michael (Susan) Miller of Grand Rapids, Michigan, David (Helena) Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Terry (Dawn) Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Vance (Jennifer) Shelton of Lansing, Michigan, and Ronshon (Chanel) Fisher; daughter, Vantisha (Dicecil) Skipwith of Lansing, Michigan; son-in-law, John Miller of Lansing, Michigan; grandsons, Marcel (Briana) Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Michael Lubs of Rockford, Michigan, Isaiah Miller of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tyrese Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Treyvon Miller of Lansing, Michigan, and Darius Miller of Lansing, Michigan; granddaughters, Olivia Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Jenna Lubs of Grand Rapids, Azalea (Devon) Miller of Southfield, Michigan, Mariah (Christian) Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Isabella Miller of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Aaliyah Miller of Lansing, Michigan; great grandchildren, Delicia Skipwith of Lansing, Michigan, Kimora McCalib of Lansing, Michigan, Telisia Skipwith of Lansing, Michigan Jovanni McCalib of Lansing, Michigan; Legend Major of Lansing, Michigan, Ezekial Skipwith of Lansing, Michigan, and Noah Miller of Lansing, Michigan; brothers, Lewis (Janice) Miller of Lansing, Michigan, Larry Miller of Atlanta, Georgia, and Barry (Carlas) Miller of Lansing, Michigan; sister, Theresa Williams of Lansing, Michigan; brothers-in-law, R.J. Jackson of Lansing, Michigan, and Matt Jackson of Lansing, Michigan; sister-in-law, Lena “Fanny” Jackson of Lansing, Michigan; extended family members, Darrell (Mary) Davis of Lansing, Michigan, Ricky (Rachelle) Stolnacke of Lansing, Michigan, Tiara (Christian) Ovalle of New Mexico; and many more friends and family including, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends he considered family.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Yvette Miller; great grandson, Greyson Owens; parents, Katherine and Claude Lee Miller, Sr.; and brother, David Miller.