Chad Alan Miller, age 50, was welcomed into his Savior’s arms on June 20, 2025. He was born on July 13, 1974, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Greg and Sandra Miller. Chad was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in La Crosse. During his junior year of high school, his family moved to Holmen, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Holmen High School in 1992. He went on to earn his Associates, Bachelor and his Masters Degree.

Chad proudly enlisted in the United States Army on July 22, 1992, and faithfully served his country for 30 years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major on July 31, 2022. In 2001, he earned the distinction of becoming a Green Beret and spent 18 years stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with the 1st Special Forces Group. He later served as a Command Sergeant Major at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and concluded his military career as the Command Sergeant Major of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Special Warfare Training Group, United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chad served in numerous countries, including Somalia, Panama, Haiti, Belgium, Bosnia, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand, Afghanistan, Okinawa, Australia, Iraq, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Nepal, and Korea. Chad received many  awards through his military career but most notably, his decorations include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters (three awards total).

Following his military retirement, Chad continued his life of service by working with the USSOCOM Warrior Care Program (Care Coalition) and later becoming Director of Programs for The Honor Foundation in Ft. Bragg/Fayetteville, NC. He was passionate about supporting soldiers transitioning from military to civilian life and remained deeply connected to his Special Forces brothers. Chad also formed many meaningful bonds with his King’s Grant neighbors and friends, whose companionship he deeply valued—whether it was enjoying a round on the golf course or sharing laughter with them at the Clubhouse. He leaves to cherish his memory the brothers of ODA 1214, the SFBMC family, and all of his steadfast brothers in arms.

Chad found immense joy in time spent with his family—whether attending church, golfing, watching movies, especially “Miracle”, a movie that was most special to him. He also enjoyed watching the Carolina Hurricanes, Green Bay Packers and pro golf. Chad, Rachel and the girls had a passionate following of the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Team, where they were season ticket holders and created many memories together as a family. Chad and Rachel enjoyed taking golf cart rides with the girls and having dinner at the Clubhouse, and sometimes enjoying a swim at the pool—simple moments that brought him joy and reflected his love for family and his community. He also had a love of Harley Davidson motorcycles, but it was his 1975 Yamaha RD 125—owned since he was 15 years old—that brought him the most nostalgia. His neighbors enjoyed seeing him ride it throughout the community, a familiar and cherished sight over the years.  Chad loved supporting his daughters in softball and basketball, either as their coach or cheering them on from the sidelines with Rachel…their two biggest fans. Chad and his family and their close friends shared countless camping adventures together, exploring the beauty of nature in places like Fort Stevens State Park along the Oregon coast, scenic locations throughout Washington State, and treasured gatherings with his military friends and their families at Onslow Beach, North Carolina, and Lakewood in Myrtle Beach. One of their fondest memories as a family, was their journey moving from Washington State where Chad planned amazing camping adventures over a 30 day, 17 state journey to their new home in North Carolina. Chad and his sons treasured their summer adventures in NC, visiting the Carolina coastal beaches and also in Washington State, where they loved hiking on Mt. Rainier, camping, and making the most of their season passes to Wild Waves. One of his fondest memories was seeing his boys dress up in his Army uniforms, a playful tribute that always brought a smile to his face. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Chad had a remarkable talent for working with his hands and could fix just about anything—a gift he proudly credited to his father. He also inherited his incredible cooking skills from his mother, whose love and guidance helped shape his creativity in the kitchen. He was also a faithful servant to his church, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, where he dedicated many hours as Church President.

Chad is survived by his loving wife, Rachel, of Fayetteville, NC; daughters Hannah, Emma, and Lacey, all of Fayetteville; sons Evan (wife: Taylour) of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Nate of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin; parents Greg and Sandra Miller of Holmen, Wisconsin; sister Jennifer Miller of Sparta, Wisconsin; sister Theresa Waldenberger (husband: Justin) of Onalaska, Wisconsin; parents-in-law Christine and Jeff Dunlap of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; brother-in-law Nick Langholff (wife: Melissa) of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin; nephews Dylan and Zack; and nieces Audrey, Kaylee, Olivia, Lyla, Lynae, and Esther as well as his aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by many friends that Chad considered family. Among Chad’s most treasured friendships was the one he shared with his best friend, Turk. The two spent countless hours together, enjoying many rounds of golf and sharing in the kind of laughter, loyalty, and camaraderie that only a closest of friends can understand.
He also enjoyed his time spent with his beloved dog, Willie and had recently formed an unexpected bond with the family cat, Willow.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son Joey; maternal grandparents Ione and Manley Mahlum, paternal grandparents Arna and Dallas Miller; and father-in-law Vernon Langholff.

A Christian memorial service conducted by Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, with Pastor Tom Glende officiating, and will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Westmont Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28305. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m.  Military honors will follow the service. A meal will be served immediately afterward at Eureka Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1591 Eureka Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28311.

A Celebration of Life will also be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Drugan’s Supper Club & Golf Course in Holmen, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
[Chad Miller Memorial Fund]
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/chadmillermemorial/

Chad’s humor, smile, kindness, loyalty, leadership and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him. Whether through a quick-witted joke, a helping hand, or simply being present when it mattered most, Chad made a lasting impact on the lives around him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who loved him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering friendship will live on in our hearts.

Online condolences may be made at www.adcockfuneralandcrematory.com

Services entrusted to Adcock Funeral Home and Crematory, Spring Lake, NC.