John Miller

John C. Miller, 88, went home to be with his heavenly father on June 14, 2011 at the Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir. He was born in Ashe County and was educated in N.C. He joined the Army Air Force in 1943 and served his country using his trained military skills. He married Virginia A. Joiner in 1950. His educational career, as a teacher and principal, spans over 37 years in the Ashe County School System. He was married to Virginia A. Joiner for 51 years and although they never had any children, they loved children. He was always attracted to children and interested in playing with babies and small children. His enjoyable hobbies included fishing, hunting, and caring for his lawn. In addition to his educational career, Mr. Miller was very active in the church and civic activities until his health begin to decline. He served as Parliamentarian (10 years) for the New Covenant Baptist Association of NC and VA and was a member, Treasurer, and Sunday School Teacher for Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for many years. Some of his civic activities included: member of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 20 years, Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees (member), Local Board Member for First Citizens Bank in West Jefferson, NC, Board of Directors member with Ashe Services for Aging and Ashe Senior Village, Some of his recognitions include: A long-term Outstanding Volunteer Community Action Worker with Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, 40.3 years of Devotion and Service to the Ashe County Schools from the Northwest Family, and Man of the year presentation for Martin Luther King Day. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia J. Miller, his parents, Fred C. Miller, and Pearl Reeves Miller, and stepmother Maude Kyle Miller, and brother, Fred C. Miller, Jr. He leaves to mourn his departure and to celebrate his life, three sisters: Catherine M. Richardson of Detroit, Michigan, Grace Thomas and Bernice Thomas of North Wilkesboro, NC, Sister-in-law, Virginia M. Miller; two special nieces: Patricia "Pat" Horton (Larkin) of Lenoir, NC and Janet Husan-Adeem (Ephriam) of Macon, GA; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins and friends. He will always be remembered as a great teacher and helping others. Funeral Services will be on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel at 4:00 PM. Receiving is 3:00 pm-4:00 PM.  Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Drive, Lenoir, NC 28645 and/or Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, c/o Rev. Brenda Ervin Faust, 513 Liberty Grove Church Rd., Fleetwood, NC 28626. You may send and view condolences to the family through our website www.ashelawn.com. Ashelawn Memorial Chapel was entrusted with Mr. Miller's arrangements.