Jack Eugene Miller

Jack Miller, born on December 14, 1933, in Altoona Pennsylvania, passed away October 4, 2018 in Greenville, SC, aged 84 years. Predeceased by his parents, Jack was born to Jackson H. and Helen V. (Gunsallus) Miller.

Although born in central Pennsylvania, Jack’s parents moved the family to Detroit towards the end of the depression to seek better employment opportunities. It is here where Jack was raised and spent the majority of his adult life. Professionally, it is highlighted by devoting his career to public education, first as a teacher and then as a school administrator. He graduated from Melvindale High School in 1951. He continued his education by receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) in 1956, a Masters degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1962 and finally, a professional degree, Education Specialist, from Wayne State University.

Although professionally accomplished, the things most important and central to his life were his family, his faith and his friends. While attending college, Jack met and then married the love of his life, Ellen (Tully). A picture given to Jack and Ellen by dear friends on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary has a caption beneath it that sums up the love he had for his wife – “She still takes my breath away”. Jack and Ellen spent 58 incredible years together until Ellen’s passing in 2014. There is no doubt that Jack continued to love her until his passing last week.

Two children, Jennifer, now deceased, and Tim became Jack and Ellen’s pride and legacy. Jack and Ellen later gained another pride of their life, a grandson, Jackson in 2001; who was Jennifer’s son. Upon the death of their daughter, Jennifer in 2007, Tim adopted Jackson and along with Jack and Ellen, formed a new family unit. Jack loved to see the successes and accomplishments first of his children and then of his grandson. In addition to his son Tim and grandson Jackson, survivors include his brother, Edward and his wife Wanda of Ft. Myers, Florida, his brother, Roy Miller of Cleveland, Ohio and numerous close cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jack was a child of God and loved and served the Lord his entire life. His faith was one that was lived, loved and shown by example. This was reflective through his life in the Presbyterian Church USA. He was an ordained elder and was active in various church ministries in Livonia, Michigan, Brevard, North Carolina, Seneca, South Carolina, Summerfield, Florida and finally at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina.

Throughout Jack’s life he became interested in many endeavors. While he enjoyed each of them, there was one however that he enjoyed the most – golf. Golf provided Jack an opportunity to spend time with life-long friends, and to meet new friends along the way. He also enjoyed travel. He and his beloved Ellen travelled extensively in retirement to various destinations. Travel, golf and meeting people were an important part of his life. These trips were cherished times shared with close family and dear friends.

Jack’s life was a joy to many and dear to the lives of family and friends he touched; however, none more than that of his blessed son Tim and his grateful grandson Jackson. It is his loving heart, his servant attitude and his acts of putting others first we will remember forever.

The following poem sums up Jack’s selfless attitude and love of family, faith and friends:

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone, must stay that way;

I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;

Ah, yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you sunshine for tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much;

Good friends, good times,

A loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,

Don’t lengthen it with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

P.S.

Dear Dad,

You created a family; you gave me life in so many ways; but most importantly, you set an incredible example of how to be a loving father to Jackson. While now separated from these earthly bonds, your love, your faith and your legacy will live on.

Until we meet again, your grateful son,

Tim

A memorial service celebrating Jack’s life will be held Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2310 Augusta St. Greenville, SC 29605. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service at Cork & Tap, 409 Mills Ave, Greenville, SC 29605.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Youth Ministry Program, 2310 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29605.