Walter Thomas Miller Senior, 81, passed away on September 20, 2026.
He was a lifelong resident of Gibbs Woods and Moyock, born in 1944 to parents Melvin Walter and Edith Louise Chaplin Miller, the only son of six children. He departed knowing he was much loved by his wife of 60 years, his two children and their spouses, two grandchildren, two surviving sisters (Amandia Ferebee and Judy Sharber), and a close community of friends.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Betty Jean Gibbs Boyd, Shirley Brickhouse and Mary Ellen Powers.
Walter and DarceAnn raised their children, Tammy Johnson (Gregg) and Walter Miller Junior (Tammy), in the small community of Gibbs Woods in Currituck, NC. In the early years, he worked long hours at the local shipyards to provide for his family, ensuring they had more than just food on the table; there were always gifts, large and small, that expressed his love. Although he left school early to help support his mother and siblings, he remained a lifelong learner. His sharp mind and quick wit were always entertaining and helped him rise to the rank of foreman at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
During his well-earned retirement, he was finally able to devote more time to his passion for farming. He and DarceAnn had always kept farm animals and tended a large garden to feed the family, but now he was finally able to spend hours and days on his beloved tractors when not in the garage renovating an antique tractor. Away from the tractors, there was usually time for coffee and a chat with friends. Walter loved his entire family, but his pride and joy were his two grandchildren, Coleton and Chloe. His family will always be grateful for his sacrifices and his never-ending love. A generous man with a big heart, Walter will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community.
Please join the family to celebrate Walter. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Chesapeake Chapel, located at 929 Battlefield Blvd. S., Chesapeake, VA 23322.
