Frank Willis Miller

Born on August 17, 1927, near Havana, Florida, Frank was the son of the late George Herman Miller and Leila Dawkins Miller. The third of five children, Frank grew up on a farm where hard work, family, and love were valued above all else. Frank quit school in the eighth grade to help his family with the farm, which included raising shade tobacco, vegetables, and livestock. Frank would often use the money he earned to help his sisters with the things they needed.

Frank had many friends growing up in Havana and told countless stories about their adventures, including one following the “picture show” at the Havana Theatre, Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars. The movie tells the story of Flash's encounter with a group of clay men. Wishing to recreate the story, Frank and his friends after rolling their bodies in the mud at the local swimming hole chased a group of unsuspecting girls on a nearby bridge. Frank’s stories were so legendary and captivating that one often wondered what was truth and what was fiction.

In addition to working on the farm, Frank made money any way he knew how. His younger sister Lib described Frank as an entrepreneur. Some of his money-making endeavors included picking mayhaws to sell in town, selling batches of Cloverine Salve door to door, or selling the weekly 14-page newspaper called Grit to the locals. Frank worked in several stores, including Neil Bass's store and Cooper's Store.

While working in a local grocery, Frank met Clarence Norfleet, a sign painter, who taught him how to paint signs. Frank soon developed the talent of drawing unique cartoons and caricatures. He also drew sketches of local establishments like Shady Rest, the Corner Store, and the Havana Theatre.

When the U.S. entered World War II, Frank reported to Jacksonville, Florida, to enlist but due to an injured eye, he was turned away. Frank returned to Gadsden County and soon began a life-long career in the grocery business, working for JQ Kelly in Quincy, Colonial Store on Georgia Street and Apalachee Parkway, and Big Star on Thomasville Road and in Cairo. Frank was a well-known fixture in Tallahassee, “trading” with long-time residents—and always with a warm smile and humorous comment or tale.

Frank’s love story with Jennie Chandler began in JQ Kelly’s Store in Quincy. Frank was immediately smitten by the attractive lifeguard with a blonde streak in her hair. Frank and Jennie would eventually marry and spend 66 years together. The couple loved to listen to country music, go to dances, and socialize with friends and family. If they weren’t “shaking a leg” in the iconic Shady Rest, they were entertaining friends and family in their home.

In their retirement, Frank and Jennie enjoyed fishing on the Ochlocknee River, traveling the eastern US, and taking afternoon walks for fitness. When they were home, Frank could often be found working in his bountiful garden and tinkering with home projects. Frank would often take a break from his garden to go fishing or cut wood with his cousin Bobby Miller. Frank was also a believer with a strong faith. He read the Bible from front to back many times and never “broke bread” without a prayer.

Frank was a regular “George Bailey,” who was loved by everyone. He never met a stranger and was comfortable in any setting. He made friends easily and once you knew him, you did not forget him. Siblings, nieces, nephews, and in-laws all loved him. Whether it was his storytelling, humor, or genuine interest in what you had to say, he was a man who was respected and loved by all.

Frank loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all his heart. Because he was the most genuine and caring person one could ever meet, they easily loved him too.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Leila Miller, his brother Robert Miller, and his sister Louise Giza. He is survived by his sisters Elizabeth Brooks (Harry) of Perry, Florida, and June Reeder of Tallahassee, Florida; his daughter Kathy Corder; his son Tom Miller (Anthony); his granddaughter Kelly Corder; his grandson Alex Corder (Molly); and his great- grandsons Alexander and Finn Corder.

The family would like to thank the many health care professionals who loved and cared for Frank in his last days. In particular, the family would like to acknowledge the support provided by Eshia Neeley, Ashanti Kennedy, and Nickole Bankson as well as the health care workers at Big Bend Hospice, Canterfield Assisted Living, and Hopewell In-Home Senior Care.

A visitation for family and friends is from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Abbey Funeral Home. The graveside service is 10:30 AM, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Shelfer Cemetery in Havana, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.