Paul Austin Miller

Paul Austin Miller, beloved husband, father and Grandy, born in Chilton County, AL on June 11, 1942, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on July 1, 2025. Paul was an amazing husband, father and grandfather and dedicated his life to the service of others. He was the youngest son born to Bonnie V. and Lala Mae Miller.

Paul was a graduate of Verbena High School and often shared fond memories of his upbringing in a community rooted in faith and service. Whether volunteering to drive a school bus at sixteen or helping on the family farm after school, Paul was grateful for the experiences that helped shape his life’s purpose of service to others.

After high school, Paul attended Howard College (Samford University, Birmingham AL) where he served on staff for Bobby Bowden and was selected as the final “Mr. Howard.” However, Paul would tell you his greatest achievement while attending Howard was courting and marrying the love of his life, Diane Parkman Miller. After graduating from Howard College with a Bachelor’s of Physical Education, Paul briefly attended the University of Alabama before enlisting in the United States Army.

Paul served as a First Lieutenant stationed in Vietnam where he oversaw the night operations of the Port of Saigon, earning a Bronze Star for his service. After his Honorable Discharge, Paul attended Southwestern Theological Seminary where he earned a master’s degree. He then returned to the University of Alabama where he earned a Master’s of Social Work.

Upon his graduation from the University of Alabama, Paul accepted an opportunity to serve what is now known as the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries. Paul and Diane dedicated 40 years of service to the ministry, and Paul completed his career as Executive Director, relocating the organization to Birmingham, AL which allowed the organization to expand its capabilities to serving those in need across the state of Alabama through various locations and ministries.

Paul and Diane retired to Logan Martin Lake in Pell City where you could find Paul working in his gardens, sailing on the lake, or watching the sun set, but most of all spending time loving his bride, Diane, to the very last minute of her life. Paul and Diane also spent many years together serving as active members of First Baptist Church, Pell City.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife-Diane Parkman Miller; brother-Marlin Miller; In-laws Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Parkman, Sr. (Pauline) of Dothan, Brothers-In-Law J.W. Parkman, Jr. (Toni) of Dothan and Byron Parkman (Annette) of Panama City, Florida. Survivors include son, Keith S. Miller (Rebecca) of Montgomery, Alabama; two daughters, Joy Miller House (Eric) of Lumberton, Texas and Tracy Miller Alexander (Jeremy) of Hoover, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Nathan House (Kaily), Andrew House, Braden Alexander, Stewart Miller, Gabriella Alexander, Susannah Miller, and Hudson Alexander; and numerous friends.