W. M." Worth Marcellus Miller, Jr. died Sunday, October 21, 2012 at his home.
He was a graduate of Clinton High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy three days before his eighteenth birthday and served in WWII. Mr. Miller is the son of the late Dossie Hill and Worth Marcellus Miller, Sr. After his military service he continued working in the family grocery business started by his Grandfather John Hill. Later he married Mildred "Millie" Miller and they worked together.
W. M. Miller, Jr. served as Clinton Fire Chief at the time of Desegregation in 1954 and at the time of the Bombing of Clinton High School in 1956. He was so proud to call Clinton home that he and brother, the late Roy Marshall Miller invested their savings and built Clinton's large Miller's IGA in 1962 with Miss Tennessee cutting the grand opening ribbon. At the couples' retirement, the family own business had operated in excess of 103 years.
W. M. and Millie Miller just celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Two weeks ago, he offered his engaged grandson some advice, "Always try to get in the last two words (with your wife) ...Let them be 'Yes, Dear'...It is how we have stayed married and best friends."
W. M. Miller, Jr. was an active member of the South Clinton Lions Club and avid golfer.
The family wishes to thank Hospice as well as the Ladies and Men of St. Mark's Methodist Church for the visits, friendship, and generosity of time where the Mr. Miller was a member. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his church and/or The American Heart Association.
Other sibblings preceeding him in death are: John Franklin Miller, Thelma Miller Kelly, and Katherine Miller.
Surrivors include three children:
Ronald Steven Miller (Sharon);
John Marshall Miller (Judy); and
Kathy Miller Guinn (Roger).
Grandchildren:
Penney Miller;
Brandy Miller Vachtsevanos (Chris);
Charley Turpin;
William M. Miller and Fiancee, Hannah Weaver; and
Amy Guinn Phillips (Josh).
Great-Grandchildren:
Ellie Vachtsevanos and Sophia Vachtsevanos
W. M. Miller, Jr. also leaves many neices, nephews, great-grand neices and great-grand nephews.
The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, Clinton, TN 37716 on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 5-7PM with Memorial Services immediately following by Rev. Wayne Headrick and Rev. Donald Swift. Graveside Service will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Thursday, October 25th at 11:00am. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of the arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com.