With a strong character, a warm spirit, a captivating personality, and a kind heart, Mr Leroy Miller Sr was born in Grand Turk on April 7th, 1940 to the now deceased Edna Smith and Thomas Miller.

Leroy was a robustious headstrong boy, never lazy, always wanting to do something. He attended the All Age School in Grand Turk and at the age of 14 because of his parents inability to pay for his schooling, he began working along with his father the Late Leroy Miller, who was an expert joiner who taught him carpentry.

He was very creative with his hands. Growing up in Grand Turk, Leroy spent many days as a young boy swimming and fishing. He also loved cooking and taught many of his skills of cooking, a tender conch or savory bonefish with no bones.

As a young man, he was very mischievous, and along with his friends such as Wilbur Caley Sr, Percy, Lewellyn and Alfred Williams, were the practical jokers of their day. They were involved in many mischievous acts including riding bikes wearing dresses with no underwear blowing in the wind.

Leroy met and fell in love with the calm and beautiful Marguerite Knowles and on September 30th, 1959 they were joined in marriage. This union produced eight children,Beatrice,Gerard, Leroy, louise, Catherine, Chivan, Denise and David.

He also fathered six other children Chad, Livingstone, Dorna, Michael and Jessica. In order to improve the standard of living and provide a better future for his family Leroy moved to the Bahamas, his family later joined him there. Leroy Sr also had 16 grand children,  12 great grandchildren and 4 great great grand children. 

In the Turks & Caicos, he did construction work during the day and was manager of the restaurant chain Burger Castle at night. In 1971, Lucille and the children returned to Grand Turk and Leroy soon followed.

He returned to the construction field and built office compounds, schools, homes for Government and the private sector. He moved all over the Turks and Caicos Islands building and teaching his skills to others. Vernal would take anyone with an interest in working in the field of construction and turn them into the best carpenter, mason, foreman or contractor. He could take their skill level and he would mould it and refine it until they were exceptional.

He trained the old and the young and made their best, better. Perfectionist is an understatement for the man, his eye was as accurate like that of an eagle, he would let you know something was off by an 1/8 of an inch or a 1/16 of an inch, and when you pull your tape or put your level or square, it was on point with his prediction.

He would pull a completed roof off because it was slightly uneven. He would say “Anything that is not well done, takes away from the whole building.”

Leroy had something about him which caused people to be drawn to him. He always had a pleasant and encouraging word for everyone. His love for others and always wanting to make a difference, lead him to be one of the founding members of the PDM movement.

He remained out of the spotlight but he was always very involved with the Movement. He was also a founding member of the formation Native Men Fellowship with an objective of bringing men back to the forefront of the country’s leadership in Government and in the Church, and also to prepare and mould the next generation of men to step into the shoes of their elders.

The Native Men Fellowship visited Leroy on numerous occasions bringing the Services to him, which brought a smile on his face, joy in his heart and singing praises to his lips.

Leroy was one of the pioneers in construction in Providenciales. He was an integral part of the team of men who started the development of Chalk Sound, with underground utilities including power, and water.

The Hubert James Primary School in Kew, North Caicos, Hotel Kittina now Osprey in Grand Turk, the extension to Oseta Jolly Primary School, in Providenciales, Richmond Hills housing scheme including Richmond Hill Preparatory School, Island Princess Hotel, Tropicana Plaza, Plantation Hills, Leeward Marina Development and the first phase of Buiding Materials are just some in the long list of buildings that he built throughout the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He was very instrumental in the development of Providenciales and, he protected and tried to be involved with everything that happened here. He was a member of many of the Government Boards. He was also a member of Rotary Club and the recipient of the Queen’s Commendation and Badge of Honor for Ourstanding Service to the community of Providenciales and The Turks and Caicos Islands.

He knew everyone and everyone knew him. Vernal was very opinionated and never hesitated to express his thoughts. He was a national builder at heart and was always in the forefront.

He touched lives and was determined to LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH. He was a very jovial and happy man, always saying something that would put a smile on your face. In his latter years, he took many trips to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Bahamas and many other places with his friends Lewis Astwood, and Kenneth Prosper. Their motto for those trips was “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

When Leroy Sr celebrated his 70th birthday, he said he wanted a funeral party. He wanted to be rolled in, lying in his casket and to then sit up in the casket throughout the party, so that he would be at his funeral whilst still alive, but no one wanted to be a part of that party, but his family did give him a great celebration this year, and in spite of his alzhemiers he seemed to be quite happy and please at this memorable occasion.

About six years ago Leroy Sr was diagnosed with glaucoma. He spent a year going to Fort Myers receiving treatments in his eyes, but his eye-sight continued to fail. In the meantime, he also started showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Quite often he ended up in places disoriented and not knowing where he was, but because of being well known, he was always taken home safely.

In February of 2018 Leroy Sr became ill and was hospitalized. He developed pulmonary embolism his prognosis was not good, but he recovered fully.

On June 24th, 2019, after a quiet day, he suddenly started having trouble breathing and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died unexpectedly, and peacefully.

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable man who gave of himself, his resources and his time to so many. He left lasting memories in the hearts and minds of those he came in contact with, our lives and world are a better place because of Leroy Miller Sr. who will live forever in our hearts. May your Soul Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.