Joe Louis Miller

Joe Louis Miller, died peacefully in his home on December 11, 2023, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 66 years, Mary Lou King Miller; daughters, Jo Ann Miller Marshall (Mike) (Atlanta, GA) and Teresa Miller Norman (Keith) (Montgomery, AL); grandchildren, Keith Byrne Norman, Jr. (Houston, TX), Effie Johnson Norman (Montgomery, AL), Joseph Miller Norman (Emily) (Del Ray Beach, FL), and Harry Dickson Norman II (Munich, Germany); his great granddaughter, Lillian "Lily" Nicole Norman (Del Ray Beach, FL); his brother, Dr. Lamar Miller (Connie); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved grandson, John Robert Christian III; parents, Atwill Lamar Miller, Sr., and Ann L. Miller; and mother-in-law, Effie Johnson King Usry.

Joe was born on August 21, 1934, in Dothan. He graduated from Dothan High School; received his B.A. from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa; and earned his master's in pharmacology from Howard College in Birmingham. He married the love of his life, Mary Lou King, on December 27, 1957.

He was a practicing pharmacist for many years; however, his varied interests and colorful character inspired his forays into additional career fields, which included time spent as the owner of a car dealership, a realtor, and a farmer. He was an avid golfer, passionate aviator, ruthless card player, and delightful storyteller. Joe was a Paul Harris Fellow and Lifetime Member of the Dothan Monday Rotary Club and a member of the Green Valley Country Club.

Joe was fun to be around and could always be counted on to give impromptu speeches, prayers, programs, or take on the role of Master of Ceremonies. His wicked wit and sense of humor are well known among family and friends. His charismatic personality and authentic spirit made people of all walks of life feel comfortable and worthy. He had the gift of finding humor in even the most difficult circumstances and could cut to the heart of challenging situations in ways that encouraged people to be both introspective and proactive in their own lives.

He had a photographic memory which came in handy when playing gin rummy or canasta and was a master at recalling his many conversations and adventures with friends and family. Joe was also a constant seeker of knowledge. People sought out his wisdom and advice because he always gave his honest (and often humorous) perspective, even if it was not politically correct. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and friend to many.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 16, at 2:00 in the First United Methodist Church of Dothan sanctuary, with visitation at 1:00 in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Dothan, 1380 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301, (334-793-3555); the John Robert Christian III Memorial Fund at the IndependenceWORKS Day Program at JF&CS, 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30338, Attention: Abby Frantz (AFrantz@jfcsatl.org or 770-677-9316); or a charity of choice.