Zachary Miller Obituary, Cause of Death – Columbus Man, Formerly of Greenville, Dies at 26

Zachary Miller, age 26, of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Greenville, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at his home. His passing has left family, friends, and loved ones deeply saddened as they remember a young man whose intelligence, compassion, and devotion to family defined his life.

Born on October 23, 1999, in Greenville, Zachary was the son of Ashley (Welbourn) and Dustin Leis of Greenville, and Mark and Tammy Miller of Union City, Indiana. He is survived by his brother, Joshua Leis of Greenville; stepbrother, Michael Tennery of Zionsville, Indiana; stepsister, Sarah (Michael) Lloyd of Brownsburg, Indiana; nephew, Liam Lloyd; grandparents, Delores Miller of Union City, Indiana, John and Jimmie Welbourn of Union City, Ohio, and Don and Barb Leis of Greenville; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Miller, and great-grandparents Ralph and Gladys Welbourn.

Zachary’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge was one of his defining qualities. He began his education at DeColores Montessori School in Greenville before attending Greenville High School, where he graduated in 2018. While still in high school, he earned his associate’s degree from Edison State Community College. He enjoyed playing piano, performing with the orchestra, and participating in soccer and tennis.

In the fall of 2018, Zachary enrolled at The Ohio State University, majoring in Molecular Genetics with minors in Epidemiology and Microbiology. He graduated summa cum laude in 2022 and was actively involved in the First Aid Club, the Molecular Genetics Club, and Helix Tri-Beta, the biological sciences honor society. He continued his education in the Biomedical Sciences graduate program, pursuing a Ph.D. in Immunology and Immunotherapeutics. His research in the Mora-Rojas Lab at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center focused on natural killer (NK) cells in the lungs and their role in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and served on The Ohio State University’s Council of Graduate Students.

Outside of academics, Zachary loved stargazing and photographing the night sky. He enjoyed gaming with friends and exploring creativity through his laser engraver and 3D printer. His curiosity and drive to learn were matched by his kindness and humility.

As accomplished as Zachary was, his greatest priority was his family. He always made time for those he loved, supporting siblings, spending time with cousins, and showing up whenever someone needed him. His compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for family and friends will be remembered most.

A celebration of Zachary’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Tribute Funeral Homes, with Pastor Wes Lynch officiating. Burial will follow in Union City Cemetery. Guests may visit with Zachary’s family on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

Zachary Miller will be remembered as a brilliant scholar, a devoted son and brother, and a kind-hearted friend whose legacy of love and learning will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.