The 2008 Big Red Service Award is being presented to Bellevue’s Ron Miller.

Born and raised in Bellevue and a 1966 gradate of Bellevue High School, Ron returned to his hometown after a stint with the U.S. Navy while stationed in Morocco, Africa.

Ron recently retired as Environmental Engineer from Norfolk Southern Corporation after spending over 30 years with the company.

Ron’s community service foundation began while with the U.S. Navy in Africa, where he started coaching a Moroccan Little League baseball team. Once he returned home, Ron continued to coach with the Bellevue Baseball Commission and Recreation Department. Then, in the 1980’s, he discovered his true passion coaching girls basketball, first at Immaculate Conception School and later with the Bellevue Junior High School eighth grade team from 1986-89. Ron then took over as coach of the Lady Red freshman team during the 1989-90 season and continued to coach until his retirement in 2005.

Over the years, Ron has also presided over the Bellevue Redmen Athletic Boosters, helping to spearhead several improvements to BAF Stadium including installation of the sprinkler system, handicap ramp and concession stand, helped with the baseball and softball dugout project, and the tennis court resurfacing project.

Ron also enjoyed officiating for the Ohio High School Athletic Association for many years in the sports of football, softball, and baseball. He career extended over 28 years and after retiring from active officiating he took over the duties of game time for Redmen football games, and is also the volunteer scorer for Lady Red freshman basketball.

In 2004, Ron was asked to chair and reorganize the Bellevue Halls of Excellence Program, and he continues to chair that committee today. He also serves on the board of directors for the Bellevue Fish & Loaves Food Pantry, is on the Sorrowful Mother Shrine Advisory Board, and is a member of the Bellevue Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Shade Tree Commission, and is a volunteer at The Bellevue Hospital.

In his “spare time,” Ron volunteers with the Bellevue Recreation Department and with the Upwards boys and girls basketball program in Sandusky.

Ron and his wife, Ruth, have two grown children (Johanna and Matthew) and have five grandchildren. Ron and Ruth reside in Bellevue.

“It isn’t important who volunteers, but what is important is someone volunteers,” said the newest winner of the Big Red Service Award. “Our greatest asset is our community and our greatest resource is our children.”