Biography:

Michael Owen Miller, 34, passed away on the morning of August 20, 2022 in Little Rock at the home of a dear friend. Michael is survived by his father Jon Michael (Carolyn) Miller of St. Charles, Missouri, his stepfather Matthew Webre of Fort Smith, his brother Barret (Rebecca) Miller, his niece and nephew Charlotte Marie Miller and Wesley James Miller of Springdale, his sister Madison Ellen (Phillip) Miller and nephew Ryker John Gonyea of Kingman, Arizona, Bailee Dianne Miller of Las Vegas, Nevada, his aunt Susan Sutterfield of Little Rock, his grandfather Thomas Cline Owen Jr. of Fort Smith, his uncle Thomas Cline (April) Owen III, Cousins Ashley (Jacob) Owen and Thomas Cline Owen IV of Little Rock, his beloved pup Pluto, as well as countless other dear friends and loved ones who knew him and whose lives he touched. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Lucy Jane Owen of Fort Smith and mother Melanie Owen Webre of Fort Smith. 

Michael (“Miku”) was one of a kind. His quick wit, candor, and his always on unique sense of humor stand out the most. Michael could always elicit a laugh from those who knew him, regardless of the mood they might be in. He could also see and tell truth like it is and always from his heart. Though tough, Michael had such a big heart, always wanting to bring kindness and love to those he touched. He seemed to have a special empathy and touch for those who needed it the most, those new to school or town, or just having a hard time, making them feel welcome, belonging, and love. He could speak and write eloquently when he had a point to make, and he infused his words with his wit.

Michael was born and grew up in Little Rock Arkansas. He attended Jefferson Elementary with his brother, Barret. Michael went to Pulaski Heights Junior High,  Catholic High (freshman year), and graduating from Central High School class of 2006. Later in life he attended classes at Northwest Arkansas Community college. 

Michael had a passion for food service, a calling he pursued with great creativity, attention to detail, and pursuit of excellence. Most of his adult life was dedicated to that passion, working hard at multiple chef roles including head chef at various restaurants in Little Rock, including Ferneau’s, Alotian, Baptist Hospital, and Heights Corner Market of Little Rock as well as Lucile’s of Boulder, Colorado. Michael left Food Service in 2020, but continued to serve others, in this case his entire family, by helping be a caregiver for his mother, Melanie Owen Webre, who battled lung cancer, a battle she eventually lost on July 11, 2021. After his mother’s death, Michael started a job at a call center in Fort Smith and enjoyed spending time with his stepfather, father, grandfather, brother, sister in law, and niece and nephew grilling, cooking, gaming, walking his beloved pup Pluto, going to Razorback games and enjoying Beaver Lake while he searched for his next path in life.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 10am at Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by a reception in the same building. Flowers are welcome or in lieu of them you could make a donation to a charity of your choice in Michael’s name.