Clara Belle Miller

Born on May 6, 1938, in Selma, Alabama, to John William Atchison and Dessie Clara Bates, Clara spent her early years in Hueytown, Alabama, where she graduated from Hueytown High School. In 1961, she married the love of her life, Ray Miller, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage built on faith, love, and devotion.

In 1977, Clara, Ray, and their sons Stephen and Blaine moved to Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where they began a new chapter supporting Ray’s sales career. Just a few years later, in 1981, Clara played a vital role in the founding of the First United Pentecostal Church of Fort Oglethorpe, where she served faithfully for many years as a pastor’s wife and steadfast supporter of the ministry. Together, she and Ray traveled countless miles throughout Georgia and beyond, working hand in hand in church outreach and ministry.

Clara’s warmth and humor were her hallmarks. The mention of her name often brought a smile and a laugh from those who knew her best. She was known for her charming Southern expressions, quick wit, and generous heart. Above all, Clara loved God, her family, her church family, and the work of the Lord. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, John William and Dessie Clara Atchison, and her sister Linda Sims.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ray Miller; sons Stephen (Shirlene) and Blaine (Brandy); grandchildren Wylea (Nate) Bennett, Drake Miller, LeeAnna (Chandler) Wolf, and Katie Miller; and great-granddaughters Elina Cameron and Scarlett Rhea, and her sister, Kay Hawk. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews who cherished her dearly.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, TN.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at the same location, followed by interment at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Officiating ministers will be Rev. Jeremy Winningham, Rev. Terry Arnold, Rev. Luke Camlic and Rev Russell Snyder

Serving as pallbearers will be Drake Miller, Scott Smiddy, Brycen Smiddy, Nate Bennett, Chandler Wolf, Edgar Pichardo, Stephen and or Blaine Miller

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tupelo Children’s Mansion or Lighthouse Ranch for Boys.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at NHC of Rossville for their compassionate care and kindness to Clara over the past several years.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel,404 S. Moore Rd, East Ridge, TN 37412.