Theodore "Ted" Glynn Miller

Theodore “Ted” Miller, 41, passed away unexpectedly in Athens, GA, on May 15, 2025. His accidental death was tragic. He fell and hit his head. He did not regain consciousness.

Ted is survived by his parents Jeff and Maureen, of Athens, GA, and brother Nate (Nicole) of Miami,FL. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vernon and Rosemary Miller and Edward and Joyce Glynn; his uncles Stephen Miller, Edward Glynn Jr, James Glynn; Aunt Sheila Glynn Crowell, Aunt and Uncle Catherine and Jim Clark, cousin Patrick Glynn, and cousin Chris Clark Vineberg. Ted leaves behind lifelong friends from his Miami days, his Orlando, FL, University of Central Florida time, and many work colleagues around the country.

Ted was born and raised in Miami, FL. He was surrounded by a large extended family. Ted enjoyed memorable Christmas Holidays in Miami and South Carolina, Thanksgivings locally and in Alabama, Birthday celebrations with fun expansive birthday lyrics, picnics at Matheson Hammock Park, the Kite-Flying Park, swimming with the Manatees at The Quay in Key Largo, vacationing in the Florida Keys and seasonal trips to Disney World. Ted’s mom, Maureen, was employed by Pan Am Airlines in his childhood. Travel benefits brought about Ted’s appreciation of the world and diverse cultures around him. He enjoyed many wonderful trips to visit family, and as a curious tourist in the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. It was not uncommon for his folks to awaken Teddy early on a Saturday morning, have him dress for a flight to Washington to enjoy a day at the Smithsonian and be back in his own bed that night. He spent many a long weekend flying to California, Alabama, and South Carolina to visit long distance family.

Ted grew up in the shadow of the University of Miami and heard many stories about the Miami Dolphins perfect 1972 season. Like generations of Florida kids during that era, he loved fishing, boating and the outdoors. He achieved the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout, by populating sand dunes at Bill Baggs State Park on Key Biscayne, FL. While a student at South Miami High School, Ted spent 4 years on the SMH Cobra football field at SMH, two years playing tuba in the marching band and his last two years with his O-Line teammates on the varsity squad. His instructors and coaches recognized his helpful nature and at times enlisted Ted and a friend for mentoring or an occasional off campus errand for the teacher. Ted’s character was engaging, intelligent, talented, hard-working, loving, generous, loyal, strong, and was gifted with a wicked sense of humor. Ted was voted most humorous at South Miami High, and he said it really meant he was the funniest ###hole. Ted was unbridled joy, and yes, he was a wily fun-loving rascal.

During high school his musical interests sparked a love of DJing, and his talent was utilized at parties during his high school and college years. Ted appreciated all musical genres and frequently played loudly rap, the Beatles, reggae, pop, Greenday, and Jimmy Buffett.

After graduation from South Miami High, he matriculated to the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. This was a great fit for him, and Ted was a proud UCF graduate and a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. While at UCF he found his career path in Hospitality Management, at the Rosen College of HM. While still in college he was a restaurant employee and manager. After graduation he moved on to liquor sales, and then hotel management. In any career endeavor, Ted’s work ethic was rewarded with well-deserved promotions along that path. Ted mentored and inspired his employees he managed, and created very successful teams. They were loyal to Ted’s managerial goals and integral to the overall success of the operation. He excelled at premier properties and after managing at a Ritz Carlton he moved to a small high end cruise line and worked as a senior hotel general manager in the Northwest. He loved cruising in Alaska and Canada where he found incredible solace and peace in those natural surroundings. He was lucky enough to be able to merge his outdoor love with his career. “Mother, Mother Ocean” is a lyric from one of his favorite artists, Jimmy Buffett, and as a bonafide Son of a Son of a Sailor in our family, Ted got a ship’s wheel Son of a Son of a Sailor tattoo after Jimmy’s passing.

Ted was raised in the Catholic Church and as an adult found his personal spiritual life fulfillment on and around the water, in the woods, on the golf course, enjoying music, podcasts, video games, movies and comedy. We believe the Alaskan Wildlife was Ted’s Spirit Animal. He also loved experiencing golden times socializing with friends and family over both gourmet and comfort foods. In his younger years Ted loved chocolate chip cookie dough and a spoon. His beloved Grandma Miller couldn’t believe Ted found immense joy in chocolate chip cookie dough over her delectable pies, cakes, and strudels.

Unfortunately for all the good things Ted experienced he also suffered from darkness. In 2007 he was in a terrible car accident. He broke his neck, and both arms, and by medical observations should have been paralyzed. It took years before he was finally diagnosed with PTSD and its struggles from the accident. These demons manifested as anxiety and depression, along with alcohol abuse. During his working life he was able to stand in the sunshine of purpose, involvement, and success. His down time away from work was darkness, often consumed in doubt, questions and lack of confidence. He hid his struggles and many of his friends, family and coworkers never knew the pain that consumed him. Ted was desperate for sustaining peace during these struggles. He received much medical intervention, therapy, ECT therapy, and medication over time to help with his challenges, which especially benefited Ted while on duty and working.

To know Ted was to love him and he will be greatly missed. Ted fought the good fight and persevered during trying times. We are comforted in his passing that he is finally at peace. Ted’s loving melodies and sweet memories will linger on with all who loved him, until we meet again. We’ve been honored to be Ted’s parents. Ted was an awesome son, brother, brother-in-law, and friend to all. We deeply believe our Ted is now resting in peace.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Ted is being planned and will be posted at a later date.

If interested in a financial commemoration in Ted’s memory, please consider a donation to Ted’s Alma Mater:

University of Central Florida Rosen School of Hospitality Management.

Giving - Rosen College of Hospitality Management

(https://hospitality.ucf.edu/alumni-giving/giving/)

If you have any questions please contact Wendy Diaz at UCF.

Wendy.diaz@ucf.edu or 407-903-8002

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home EAST has been entrusted with arrangements.