Joseph Eugene “Gene” Miller passed away on January 8, 2022 after 95 years, 3 months and 12 days on God’s beautiful Earth. He was born September 27, 1926 to the late Charles S. and Ruth Booe Miller in Salisbury, NC. Gene left Boyden High School after his junior year to enlist in the United States Navy and serve his country during World War II. Six months after the war ended, Gene returned to Boyden to finish school and then go on to Catawba College, graduating in 1951. He spent three years as a Physical Fitness Director for the Charlotte YMCA followed by 23 years with the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) in both the field and the office helping people get the cars of their dreams.
Gene also spent 21 years officiating high school football and basketball during his non-work hours for the NC Athletic Officials Association. He was a long time member of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville where he held many positions, most importantly posting the US flag before each meeting. Miller was a multiple gold, silver and bronze medal winner while in his 80s at the Mid-Carolina Senior Games being particularly successful in the track and field events.
Gene loved Jesus dearly and spent many years at Highland Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, and Westminster Presbyterian before joining The Village Baptist Church, a place where he loved being in the Charles White Sunday School Class and volunteering as a long time greeter and usher.
He is survived by his sweetheart and love of many years, Mrs. Barbara Culbreth along with two sons from a 49 year marriage to Mary Frances Johnson Miller; Joseph E. Miller, Jr of Newton, NC and William H. Miller (Nancy) of Seneca, SC; two grandsons, William J. Miller (Morgan) and Matthew R. Miller (Tiffany) of Easley, SC; and two great grandchildren, Jackson Ryder Miller and Harper Grace Miller, whom he absolutely adored.
A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 Pm Saturday, January 15, 2022, at The Village Baptist Church with Reverend Nick Smith officiating. Burial to follow the service at Cumberland Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends prior the service at 11:00 to 11:45 Am.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to The Village Baptist Church (678-7178) or Westminster Presbyterian Church (485-8128).
