Red Miller

Red Miller was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Red was born Dennon Lamar Miller on February 13, 1942 in Vaiden, Mississippi, a son of the late Clayton and Frances Gant Miller. He and his sisters, Sedenia Terminie, Shirley Pennington and Shirrell Benton Speaks grew up in Flowood, Mississippi.

Red was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Red had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Red was an active child who, in his spare time, liked fishing, hunting and playing football. However, to Red, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Red had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was vo-tech.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Red enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Some of his best friends were Jimmy Wilson, Jerry Guillette, Mary Guillett, Horace Yarbarough, Grant Wixson, Ouida Fay Wixson, James Wilson, Harold Yarbarough, Buddy Wixson, Marlon Guillette, Bubba Guillette, Marvin Reel, Jason Burney, Jerry Odom and Bubba Reel.

Red married three times and was blessed with six children. His first marriage was to Charlene, the mother of his sons, Darryl Lamar (who preceded his father in death), Harvey Lennon and Mancey Avery, and his daughter, Teresa Dawn. His second marriage was to Ann Staggs, mother of his son, Steven Lamar. His third marriage was to Charla, mother of his youngest child, daughter Haley Elizabeth. Red was also blessed with thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Red worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs.

Fortunately, Red enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Red worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as a homebuilder. Prior to his career in construction, he also was employed as a butcher/meatcutter for A & P Grocery.

Red enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing guitar and singing; restoring and cruising in his 1957 Chevrolet; riding motorcycles and skiing. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Red was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were NASCAR racing, especially # 88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and football, including the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.

To relax, Red enjoyed spending time on the sandbars of the Pearl River.

Red was a lover of animals and during childhood his family had several hunting dogs.

Red Miller passed from this life on his sixty-ninth birthday, Sunday,

February 13, 2011 while at home. He was laid to rest in Lakewood South Cemetery on Wednesday, February 16, 2011.

Simply stated, Red was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Red leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Red Miller.