Columbus, OH — Lewis R. Miller, 92, of Pittsfield, N.Y., died at his home surrounded by his family on Aug. 10, 2023.

Mr. Miller was born on the family farm on Aug. 26, 1930, the son of the late Rueben and Mary Gardner Miller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth; siblings, Harley, Mildred Chase, Aleta Smith, Margaret Conklin, Donald, and Ethel White.

He is survived by his companion, Judy Harris; children, Tim (Joy Tracy), Terry (Lisa), Wesley, Lois (John) Ballard, and Mary Jane (Jeffrey) Conroe; grandchildren, Everett “Flip” Hopper, Kevin Hopper, Melissa Birdsall, Tonya Barnes, Timothy “TJ” Jr., Michelle, Sarah Lipka, Luke Conroe, Michael, Mathew Conroe, and Makenzie Ballard; 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his companion dog, Zoe.

Mr. Miller was a lifetime resident of the area attending school in Morris. Early on, he took over the family farm, increasing it to 100 milking cows. He was active in livestock auctions with Lazy S Livestock, Frankfort and Milford sale barns and owned and operated Homestead Auction Service and Homestead Pet and Feed.

As an auctioneer, he sold horses at the New Holland Sales in Pennsylvania, and in Delaware, Ohio, Morrisville, and Sugar Creek.

His passion was harness racing. His horses raced at Monticello, Yonkers, Meadowlands, Saratoga, Vernon, and Pocono. His favorites were Blazing Dayan, Wesley, and Rutz. Recognizing a good racehorse, he purchased Blazing Dayan for $600 from Johnny Chambers in Unadilla who had this horse pulling a manure spreader. He discovered Rutz at a Yonkers sale for just $200 more. He trained and developed them into winners.

In 1973 he was involved with the pony races with his ponies Holly Run, Cinderella, and Chief.

He won many water racing events with his dogs and attended many coon hunts.

He was proud of his time with the Otsego County Fair. In 1968 he joined the board and was president for 19 years. He brought horse racing back to the fair, and under his management, the fair was brought out of debt without having to borrow money.

He worked with the Midstate Speedway in Morris and its concessions. He also owned a race car, and raced Saturday nights in Brookfield winning a 100 lap race.

He owned a snowmobile business, and after a long day, he and the family would hit the local trails.

Calling hours will be 1-3 p.m. and again from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Aug. 16) at The Grove of Butternut Valley, 193 County Rt 49, in Morris. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday (Aug. 17) in the chapel at The Grove of Butternut Valley. Interment will follow in Hillington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to establish a permanent memorial plaque at the Otsego County Fairgrounds. Checks can be made payable to The Lewis Miller Memorial account, c/o Timothy L. Miller, 210 Hawks Road, New Berlin, NY 13411.

Arrangements are with Delker and Terry Funeral Home of Edmeston. To send condolences, visit www.Delkerterryfh.com or Delker and Terry Funeral Home on Facebook.