Jackie Miller

Jackie Wayne Miller of West Columbia, South Carolina passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Parkridge Hospital, having attained the age of 72 years and 10 months. He was born in Burdine, Kentucky on Friday, December 15, 1944, the son of Fred and Margie Miller. He was a Christian of the Lutheran faith. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps between 1966 and 1972. Jack is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as an aviation mechanic, earning several medals, including the title of Outstanding Marine Recruit and Expert Rifleman from his platoon at Parris Island. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest. Upon returning from Vietnam, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Clemson University in Forestry. Jack made his career at the Tennessee Valley Authority, from which he retired after 29 years of service. Following his retirement, Jack humbly served in Hurricane Katrina recovery for 19 months. Among many other esteems, Jack is the former President of the Optimist Club, Chairman for Athens Lutheran Church, an interim preacher, a member of the Masonic Lodge of Athens, Tennessee, a dedicated coach, a talented craftsman, and a loving father. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Jim Miller, John Miller, and Jerry Miller, and one sister, Jeanne Hayes. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kimrey Miller of West Columbia, South Carolina, with whom he wed on June 13, 1970 in Clintwood, Virginia. He is also survived by his three children, Jeri (and Tim) Barbo of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jamie (and Trisha) Miller of Albany, Kentucky, Julie Miller of McKenzie, Tennessee, five grandchildren, Timmy Barbo, Brian Barbo, Lillian Barbo, Carley (and Troy) Butler, and Cadence Miller, his four sisters, Judy Marshall, Janice Kea, Juanita Ruth, and Joan Narramore, several nieces and nephews, along with many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Burdine Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be Thursday Oct. 19, 2017 at 12 noon at the Burdine Freewill Baptist Church. Final resting place will be in the Miller Cemetery.