David A Miller

"Smokey" David A. Miller, 55, of Aztec, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, in Aztec. He was born June 12, 1958, in Hastings, Michigan. He moved to Aztec at the young age of 17, where he found the oil field, or "patch". He worked for numerous companies, including Odero, Basin, Bayless, Drake, and Aztec Well Service, to name a few. A celebration of life will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, at the VFW Post No. 614, 201 S. Park Ave. in Aztec. David's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, 505-325-9611.

Aztec
David "Smokey" Miller
June 12, 1958 - Nov. 6, 2013

David "Smokey" Miller, 55, of Aztec, left this earth to begin a new adventure last year on Nov. 6, 2013. He was born in Hastings, Mich., on June 12, 1958.
At 17, he moved to Bloomfield and fell in love with working in the oil patch. He worked for many local companies, going from worm to operator to an administrative position. Aztec Well Services was his last employer.
Smokey, though at times quiet and introspective, believed that strangers were just friends he hadn't met. He had many friends of all ages from all walks of life. He had many interests, including games of trivia, collecting coins, reading, watching old movies and watching football, especially when the Detroit Lions played. He loved rock 'n' roll music, living by the motto, "If it's too loud, you're too old!"
He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, and spent many happy hours outdoors enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. He seem to draw his strength from the water, living near the river whenever possible. He was an avid stargazer who enjoyed having a big bonfire on nights when the moon was full.
He was extremely close to his youngest brother, Scott, who followed him to New Mexico in 1980. The two lived and worked together until 1986, Smokey often joking that he "raised him from a worm." They remained best friends until Scott's death in 2001, at which time he became extremely close to his nieces, Josie and Sammi, treating and thinking of them as his own children. Together, with his sister-in-law, the four of them became a tribe of sorts until his death.
He enjoyed attending holiday meals at his daughter's home, where he would get caught up with her and his grandchildren. He also enjoyed time spent with his nieces, and loved talking to and about his son. While he loved his children with all of his heart and enjoyed the special relationship he shared with his Farmington nieces, he made no secret of the fact that Sammi was the one with whom he felt the most connected, a role she didn't ask for but tried to honor.
Smokey was preceded in death by his brother, Scott; his father, Ray, and both sets of his grandparents.
He is survived by his son, Jason Miller; his daughter, Jasmine (Erik Stance) Carpenter; three grandchildren, Jessica and Jaycee Baird, and Jorden Stance; three great-grandchildren, LeighLind, Cyress and Lillie; his mother, Mary Miller; his brothers, Gordie (Janet) and Steve Miller; his sisters, Becky Uptgraft and Sally (Bob) Teunessen; sister-in-law, Starla Miller; five nieces; three nephews, and numerous other family members and friends.
Smokey was cremated at the time of his death, and a private family memorial is planned for next summer. He will be forever loved and missed.