Miller was born in Brisbane, Queensland, to parents Charles Miller and his wife Ann Jane (née Weathered). He was educated at the Rainworth State School and the Central Technical College. In World War II he was a corporal in the Australian Imperial Force and was assigned to the 2/3 Field Park from 1943 to 1946. He became a painter on leaving the armed forces. A member of the Freemasons, Miller was also a member of the local Lions Club. He was the chairman of the RSL from 1959 until 1966.
