PELL CITY - Frank Ray Miller, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Pell City on Saturday, February 6, 2021, surrounded by members of his family. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama on January 22, 1935 to Frank Ray Miller, Sr., and Lucy Steagall Miller. The family subsequently moved to Pell City when he was very young to be closer to other family members. On June 10, 1955, he married the love of his life, Jimmie Nell Polk, and they raised two daughters and one son. Ray never met a stranger. He had a positive spirit and a smile that endeared him to family, friends, business associates, and even strangers. In social settings, he made it a point to engage as many people as possible in conversation and he was described by so many people as “the best friend I ever had.” He was a devoted family man who especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.
Ray was very patriotic and proudly served his country in the Alabama National Guard and the United States Air Force. While serving in the USAF, he was stationed in Albany, Georgia and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Following his separation from the service, he enrolled at Jacksonville State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 1963. He later attended the Birmingham School of Law. He subsequently enjoyed a highly successful 35-year career in banking, beginning as a trainee, rising through increasing levels of responsibility, quickly becoming Vice President of Residential Real Estate, and ultimately becoming President & CEO and a Director of the St. Clair Federal Savings Bank in Pell City. Upon retirement, he was active in real estate development in the St. Clair County vicinity. Additionally, he served his community in numerous roles with great distinction, and he and Jimmie Nell opened their home to host a multitude of events benefitting community organizations. He served as President of the Pell City Chamber of Commerce, and as a charter member of the Pell City Rotary Club. His membership on the Governor’s Economic Development Advisory Council was one on which he especially enjoyed serving as was his term on the Board of the United Way of Central Alabama. Ray also served as President of the Alabama League of Savings Associations, Chairman of the St. Clair County Library Board, and a member of St. Vincent’s Foundation Board. He served on the Jacksonville State University School of Business and Industry’s Board of Visitors and always enjoyed being an outspoken advocate for the School. He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Pell City.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Miller, Sr. and Lucy Steagall Miller and sister, Sue Ann Miller Rench. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jimmie Nell Polk Miller, Daughters Cynthia (“Cindy”) Miller Watson (Mike) of Opelika; Melissa (“Missy”) Miller Jenkins (Greg) of Opelika; and a son, Adam Chadwick Miller (Emily) of Mountain Brook. He is survived by five grandchildren, Mallory Jenkins, Chattanooga; Madalyn Jenkins, Atlanta; Hudson Miller, Hayes Miller, and Mary Brooks Miller, all of Mountain Brook. He is also survived by a brother, John Benson Miller, and sister, Marilyn Miller Holloway, both of Prattville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 at First Baptist Church, Pell City at 11:00am with Rev. A.L. Courtney and Rev. John Thweatt officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 10:30am Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jacksonville State University School of Business and Industry or the charity of your choice. Those attending are reminded to follow the Governor’s current orders requiring masking and social distancing.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.kilgroefh.com
Kilgroe Funeral Home – Pell City will direct the service
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