Born January 10, 1944, in Kearney, Nebraska, to David and Elsie Miller, John grew up in Kearney and graduated from high school in 1962. He went on to attend Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned degrees in Biblical Studies and Sacred Music.
After graduation, John met his wife, Patricia—lovingly known to him as “Tricia Jane”—in Van Buren, Arkansas, in 1973. Just three months later, they were married and began their lifelong journey of ministry together while raising their family.
An ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, John served in full-time ministry for nearly 55 years. Throughout his ministry, he served as youth pastor, music minister, and senior pastor in churches across the country. For 33 years, he faithfully pastored Greenwood First Assembly, where he founded Greenwood Bible College. His passion was to train others to experience freedom in Christ, and under his leadership, the college grew to six campuses, continuing to thrive today. John was known as a man of prayer who never missed a day in the presence of the Lord.
John was also a devoted husband, father, and Papa. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, patience, and sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Tricia Miller of the home; two daughters, Angela Carter and husband, Chris of Celina, TX and Jodi Reith and husband, Shannon of Greenwood, AR; one son, Zach Miller and wife Mandy, of Little Elm, TX; nine grandchildren, Alexa (Jade), Gabriel, Gracie, Kaylee, Jenna, Seth, Eli, Logan and Harrison; one sister, Rose Murphy of Lincoln, NE; niece, LeAnne Rutt of Lincoln, NE; nephew, Dave (Heather) Reynolds of Valparaiso, IN and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Elsie Miller.
A celebration of life service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, August 16 at Harvest Time Church in Fort Smith with burial at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
