Obituary of Joe Ernest Miller

It is with deep sorrow that our family is announcing the passing of our beloved Joe Ernest Miller. Joe was born December 6, 1936. Heart failure led to his death on October 24, 2022 at the age of 85. His children, Jimmy Ray Miller, Kevin Ernest Miller and Karen Miller Sawyer were privileged to be with him at his passing. Joe was the youngest of six children born to Otto and Lenora Slater Miller (William “Bill”, James “Jim”, Lincoln, Sarah, Robert “Bob” and Joe). His father was a Methodist Pastor, therefore, in true Methodist tradition the family moved homes every few years. The family lived in many areas around Alabama with Joe graduating from Phillips High School in Birmingham. He attended Jacksonville State University before beginning a job with South Central Bell which eventually merged into AT&T where he retired after 32 years as an engineer. Joe is survived by his wife, Rita Kathleen Beason Miller, to whom he was married for 62 years; children, Jimmy Ray Miller, Kevin Ernest Miller, and Karen Miller Sawyer (David); sister, Sarah Miller Baker; three grandchildren, Hayden Davis Sawyer (Beth), Evan Miller Sawyer (Whitney), Kathryn Norma-Marie Sawyer; two great-grandchildren, Faires James Sawyer and Vivian Marie Sawyer; and many other treasured family and friends. Joe was a devout follower of Jesus and studied passionately the word of God. He loved his family with all his heart and strength and was always there when they needed him. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. A mentor and life well-lived. A good and faithful servant. The funeral service for Mr. Miller will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Pell City First United Methodist Church with Rev. Wes Savage officiating. Interment will follow the service at Valley Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the time of service on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Pell City First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International (www.gideons.org) or to Lakeside Hospice (www.lakesidehospice.org/donations). Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.