Zebb Vance Miller, who went by the name Sam since his youth, peacefully passed away on February 25th, 2024, in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 90 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Sam embodied a warm-hearted, industrious spirit throughout his life.
After graduating from high school in his hometown in Maryland, he proudly served in the Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in England as a medic. Sam’s friendly demeanor and practical wisdom endeared him to his fellow airmen and, later, his Masonic brethren, particularly when serving as Worshipful Master of the Rockridge (now Oakland) Lodge in 1968.
For decades, Sam thrived as a small business owner in California’s Bay Area. First, cutting and styling hair in the 60s and 70s in his shop in Berkeley, and later as the chef and proprietor of a successful delicatessen in Alameda in the 80s, Sam’s hard work and down-to-earth charm left an indelible mark on his customers and community.
Survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Carol Jean, Sam was a loving father to his daughter Victoria, who now resides in California and Colorado. He also embraced his role as a step-father to Kalonica McQuesten (now of Berkeley, CA), and Dan McQuesten (now of Boise, ID). All his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of endless joy and pride.
He will be deeply missed by his beloved nieces in Georgia, Mary Langlais and Patricia McWilliams.
In his leisure, Sam enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: golfing, playing pool, indulging in historical fiction, and tending to his abundant vegetable garden. He was rarely without the loyal company of a faithful dog.
Sam will be remembered not only for his down home wit and timeless wisdom but also for the kindness and generosity that touched the lives of all who knew him.
Though he has departed, Sam’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his spirit continues to inspire us to live with warmth, integrity, and humility.
We’ll miss you, Sam. Here’s to a life well-lived.