Sterling Pile Miller

Sterling P. Miller was born in Grosse Point, MI and grew up on Long Island, NY. He graduated from The Hotchkiss School, Trinity College, and achieved an ES.Ed in School Administration from Pepperdine University, later earning additional credits at Hofstra University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Sterling devoted his entire career to the field of education, beginning as a math and history teacher at Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn, NY, where he became Head and served until 1980. He then became Head of St. Edmund’s Academy in Pittsburgh for 10 years, before attaining the position of Upper School Head at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar, CA. In 1993, Sterling moved across the country to become the Founding Head of Canterbury School in Greensboro, NC. A teacher to the core, after retiring from Canterbury, Sterling continued to teach classes at Noble Academy, The Piedmont School, and in Greensboro’s public school system.

A lifelong athlete, Sterling was a runner, skier, sailor, and a squash, hockey, and tennis player. He was a reader, a dog lover, and an expert handyman. What students, parents, colleagues, and friends most remember about him, however, is his attitude and zest for any challenge or opportunity. His unwavering optimism, unflagging energy, undimmable enthusiasm, and enviable fearlessness were evident in his every endeavor; qualities that led Canterbury School to name its highest student award in his honor. Many of the practices and traditions Sterling established at the school remain in place today, thirty-five years later.

Sterling was predeceased by his brother Jay Miller, and his daughter Ashley Gravelle (2014). He is survived by his daughter Kelly Lilly (Jim); son, Sterling P. Miller, Jr. (Jennifer Whitaker); and grandchildren Sadie, Chase, Cody, Wyatt, Sterling III (Tri) and Piper. He is also survived by his sister Audie Easter and brother Jeff Miller.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, in Phillips Chapel at Canterbury School. A reception will follow at the school.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Canterbury School, 5400 Old Lake Jeanette Road, Greensboro, NC 27455.