Paul Thomas Miller

Tom was born in Atlanta GA May 12, 1944, and moved with his family to Dothan AL in 1954. He was a 1962 graduate of Dothan High School. He attended Birmingham Southern College graduating with a BS in 1966 and then moved to Nashville on a scholarship to Vanderbilt University earning a PhD in Chemistry in 1971. In 1966, he married Linda Martin (Raymer) of Dothan. After graduation from Vanderbilt, Tom accepted a professorship in the new community college system of TN at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin. He was a beloved teacher, mentor, administrator and retired as Dean of Mathematics and Science in 2008.

Tom was first and foremost an academic scientist but he was also a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, mentor, environmentalist, conservationist and musician. He studied voice, possessed a beautiful strong baritone like his grandfather, and performed at various venues and for family and friends for years. In 1977, he married the love of his life and soulmate Gail Andrews Miller and they were together until her passing in 2018. Together Gail and Tom raised and showed Siberian huskies; made environmental journeys all over North and Central America and the Caribbean to beautiful locations meticulously scoped out by Gail; camped and hiked in the mountains of TN and NC and the Gulf Coast. Gail was an absolutely dedicated birder and after a few years together, Tom was too. Tom developed a passion for genealogy and was an expert researcher and chronicler until very recently.

Tom Miller is predeceased by his parents, J. Howard Miller and June S. Miller of Dothan, and by his beloved Gail. He is survived by three brothers and two sisters: Douglas Miller of Hickory NC, Kenneth Miller of Rehobeth AL, Larry Miller of Auburn AL, Karen Rieger of Columbia MD, and Sheryl Miller of Dublin VA; ten nephews and nieces and numerous friends and former students. He has received special loving support and help since Gail’s passing by his dear friend and colleague Nancy Morris and by his nephew Scott Miller and his wife Melinda. They have been here whenever he needed them for love and encouragement.

The family plans to establish a scholarship fund in his name at VSCC or at Vanderbilt. There will be a memorial service in Nashville on August 8.

Tom Miller was one of a kind—genuine, generous, easygoing, interested and thoughtful of others, a great teacher and companion. We love you, Tom.