Samuel Odell Miller, born in Nashville, Tennessee on September 15, 1932, transitioned to his eternal home at 6:25pm on Friday, May 20, 2022 at the Tennessee State Veteran’s Home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Sam was born in the bedroom in his grandmother’s home while his father, Samuel Frank Miller, was laid to rest in the living room. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, he told stories of roaming the streets at a young age, going to movie theaters and grocery stores. When his family moved to the gulf during WWII, Sam, 10 years old, was left at the photography studio to take and develop pictures for the GIs.
Sam served his country as a supply sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He was eclectic in his career choices. He owned restaurants, worked at, among others; Motorola, Yellow Cab Company and Better Built before selling and retiring from his business- The Lock and Key Center (currently known as A Lock and Key Center) as the first licensed locksmith in the LaVergne/Smyrna area. He was the founder of the Middle Tennessee Locksmith Association.
As with many in his generation, Sam only received an 8th grade education before leaving school to help his family. He took great pride in later receiving his GED. He was an avid NRA advocate and was skilled in shooting a handgun. Even with essential tremors he could hit a bullseye as recent as 2018. He was handy with a hammer, building both furniture and several buildings in which to run his business.
Several congregations of the Lord’s church were started either in his home or with his help. The most recent, and the one he attended was Southside Church of Christ in Smyrna, Tennessee. Sam was known for his love of sharing God with just about all he knew.
An only child, Sam was blessed with many children: Rhonda Sue Grant (Bill) of Kentucky, Mark Wayne Miller (Cindy, deceased) of Fayetteville, Tennessee, Diane Arlene Demumbreum (Wayne, deceased) of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Teresa Lynn Todd (Kenny) of Smyrna, Tennessee, Michael Shawn Miller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and step son, Jimmy Wayne Stephens (Tina) of Manchester, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Raina Diane Miller; his mother, Grace Lee Rose Speakman; his wife, Ludene Whitworth Stephens Miller; his step-daughter, Angela Kay Stephens and grandson, Kaleb Hunter Miller. As of his passing, he has 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of Tennessee State Veteran’s Home for their care and consideration of Sam during his stay. The family would also like to thank the owners and staff of his absolute favorite place to eat (which Sam loved to do) Hickory Falls in Smyrna, Tennessee. He frequented weekly and was made to feel loved and blessed by all. He last visited a few months before his passing.
Services to celebrate Mr. Miller will be at Eleven O’clock the morning of Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Roselawn Funeral Home with Mike Pickford officiating with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are cordially invited to visitation from Four O’clock till Eight O’clock the evening of Tuesday, May 24, 2022 also at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129, 615-893-2742.
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