Donald Kay "Don" Miller

Donald Kay "Don" Miller passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2024, surrounded by family and friends after an extended illness. His life was a testament to achievement, creativity, and love, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him.

Born on December 7, 1935, in Jacksonville, FL, to James Robert Miller, Sr. and Laurel Armstrong Miller, Don was raised in Macon, GA, where the family relocated during his childhood. He graduated from Lanier High School for Boys in 1953, then attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, on a music scholarship (oboe), earning a Bachelor of Music degree. Determined to pursue a career in insurance, Don continued his studies at the University of Georgia, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1959. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Don joined Cherokee National Life Insurance Company after graduation, dedicating 41 years to the company and eventually rising to the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board. His colleagues remember him as the heartbeat of an organization built on lofty goals, a family spirit, and true friendships. He fostered a workplace full of high achievement, generosity, and a unique sense of fun that is rarely seen in typical offices.

Don was a member of the University of Georgia Gridiron Society, was designated among the Jaycees Outstanding Young Men of America, served as Chairman of numerous Boards of Directors including Macon, GA’s International Cherry Blossom Festival where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. It’s important to know that his greatest achievement of all was being “Bobo” to his family.

He was a true Renaissance man whose curiosity, talent, and determination shaped a life full of adventure, achievement, and creativity. To those who loved him, Don was the most talented and determined person they have ever known, and his remarkable presence will be deeply missed.

Don is predeceased by his wife, Frances Pace Miller, his parents, and two siblings. He is survived by daughters, Donna Kay McGoldrick (Phil) of Macon and Dee Ann Geeslin of Savannah, and son Jimmy Miller (Sissy) of Nashville, TN; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; step children Leigh Brandenburg (Don) of Augusta, Judy Vizzini (John) of Highpoint, NC, and Jeff Briggs (Lisa) of Birmingham, AL; 7 step grandchildren; 9 step great-grandchildren, and his former wife Peggy Eaton Miller of Macon.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 20th at 11 am at Vineville Methodist Church with Dr. Jimmy Asbell officiating. Burial will be private at Rose Hill Cemetery. A reception will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Grande at Carlyle Place, 5300 Zebulon Road, Macon GA 31210.

Memorial contributions can be made to Vineville Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave., Macon GA 31204.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.