Celebrating 72 Years of Marriage

Celebrating 72 Years of Marriage

At age 94, nothing slows Don Miller down.

Walk in most days at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center at Second and Bryant, and you’ll see Don Miller’s tall frame and big wide smile, especially if you need plumbing supplies. After a career of 33 years with the same building materials company and an 18-year run of owning his own company, Miller just couldn’t stay retired. Since 2009, Don has been a familiar face for local shoppers and contractors.

What’s more, Don is happy. He’s happy when he’s working, he’s happy when he’s gardening, he’s happy when eating healthy and natural, and most of all, he’s happy with his wife of 72 years, Georgia.

Don was kind enough to take a few minutes and visit with the Outlook. 

Q: The secrets to a long vibrant life?

Don: Eat right, stay active and always keep a positive attitude. Always have a sense of humor.

Q: What is the secret to a long, happy marriage?

Don: A sense of humor. If you are compatible and enjoy each other, you’ll get along, but a sense of humor is a must. You don’t just get married, you work at it. We don’t fight. We do things that irritate each other, sure, but we don’t fight.

Q: What is your advice in raising your three happy, successful children?

Don: We set the example. We had a successful, happy marriage and we didn’t bicker in front of the children. Now we have successfully married kids. They see us being happy with each other, and they expected that with their own marriages.

Q: You’ve had a long career and your own business. Now you still work. What’s the key to succeeding in business?

Don:  I enjoy my work. I enjoy where I’m working. When people get old, they are always around the house and it gets kind of boring. So I enjoy being around people and I enjoy the people I work with. I think I’m very well-liked.

Q: You are both in your 90s and seem so vibrant and healthy. Why do you think that is?

Don: We take care of ourselves. Plus, both our parents lived long lives. My mom lived into her 90s, and Georgia’s parents were on the tall side of their 80s. But you have to eat right and not eat all the terrible junk that’s out there.

Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t working 20 to 25 hours at Lowe’s each week?

Don: I like working in the yard. I don’t get as much done as I used to, because gardening and yard work is hard work. I plant all the flowers myself and I take care of the gardens.

Q: When do you think you’ll ever slow down?

Don: Like I told them at Lowes, I’m going to work until I’m tired, and I’m not tired yet. I really enjoy working, and physically I outwork any two of those kids that work there. I feel good. I don’t live on pills, and I am still happy and healthy.

Q: What are your top pieces of advice on living long and being happy?

Don: First, be active. Exercise is essential, and I still exercise at 94. Also, always have a positive attitude. Don’t let the trivial stuff bother you. Most of the news on the tube is negative, and I just let it blow past me.