George StoryTributes
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
To share a story or leave an online condolence, please visit www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.
Linnemann Funeral Home Erlanger
30 Commonwealth AvenueErlanger KY 41018
Linnemann Funeral Home Erlanger
30 Commonwealth AvenueErlanger KY 41018
Highland Cemetery
Address: 2167 Dixie Hwy Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017George E. Miller M.D.
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Well Done, Doctor
This man saved my life. I was blessed to be his patient on four occasions.
Peace be with George’s family.
Truly a wonderful person and Dr.
Dr. Miller’s family
I first met Dr Miller when my daughter was 12, that was 43 years ago. Thought she had appendicitis, Dr. Miller said, no it’s something else. It was! 30 years later he was my mother’s surgeon. 26 years later, my surgeon. George, as I affectionately called him, took care of me with multiple surgeries until he left for the beauty of southern Kentucky. He was true gentleman, a good listener, a great Dr. He will be missed.
One of a kind
Remember the first day he arrived at St. E’s. His quiet confidence was overwhelming. Pleasure to work with. Loved his sense of humor. May you rest in peace, kind and gentle man.
William Camm. MD
I was a high school student interested in medicine when I met Dr Miller at the VA while he was in surgical residency. He let me tag along with him and taught me to scrub and assist. I went on to UC to medical school where Dr Miller continued to teach. I ultimately went into internal medicine but vividly remember all the things he taught me
I treasured the time he spent with me. He was a terrific clinician and surgeon. May he rest in peace and my condolences to the family. I always wanted to thank him for all he did for me. William Camm, MD
Dedicated and Caring
In previous condolence, I should have said My Brother had stage four colon cancer not lung cancer
Dedicated and Caring
Dr.Miller was my brother’s surgeon in 2004. My brother was only 44 years old.
He had stage four lung cancer. Insurance refused to pay for surgery because of the stage diagnosis. But because of his young age, Dr. Miller went to bat for us and made sure that My Brother was able to have the surgery and be covered by insurance.
I have never forgotten that. My Brother did pass away in late 2004. Both the compassion and determination to give him a chance at Living was so touching and a testament to Dr. Miller’s character.
When they meet up in heaven, I’m sure My Brother will take the opportunity to thank him once again.
Sympathies to all the family. He was wonderful.
SENDING COMFORTING PRAYERS IN YOUR SORROW
My husband and I were so very sorry to read that Dr. Miller had passed away. My husband required emergency colon surgery in March of 2010. Dr. Miller saved his life. Many times over these years we spoke about Dr. Miller and what wonderful care he took of my husband. He was not just a great surgeon he was a great man. He would show up in my husband’s hospital room at really crazy times…sometimes at 2:00 a.m. in the morning. He would tell my husband that if he had a patient in the hospital he was going to check on them no matter what. Our thoughts are with you as you go through this painful time. May GOD Bless you!
Rest in peace Dr. Miller
Rest in peace Dr. Miller. It was a pleasure knowing you and working alongside you for many years! One of the best! Prayers of peace for family!
Sincere Sympathy!
Paula and Family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. George was one of the best! A great friend to so many and a brilliant surgeon, who truly cared about his pts!
I have fond memories from the 80’s and 90’s of dancing, parties and fun!
Many prayers lifted up for you and all those who loved him.
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