Willis L. Miller, Jr.

WILLIS L. MILLER, JR, 89, of Valdosta died Saturday, December 25, 2004 at his residence. He was born in Lakeland, GA on November 22, 1915 to the late W. L. (Lint) and Lena Lee Miller. Mr. W. L. Miller, Sr. started Miller Hardware and Furniture Company in Lakeland in 1908. Mr. Willis L. Miller, Jr. moved to Valdosta in 1947 to open Miller Hardware Company in Valdosta. He also purchased Whitehead Hardware Company in 1973 and was actively engaged in farming in Lanier County for his entire life. The third generation of the family, Dutton Miller, continues to operate the two hardware companies in Valdosta. Mr. Miller served in the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II. Mr. Miller was a founding director of Valdosta Federal Savings and Loan Association and was a director of the local Citizens and Southern National Bank (now Bank of America). He was a member of the Hospital Authority for South Georgia Medical Center. He was a member of the Valdosta Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Maxwell Williams Miller; two sons and daughters-in-law, Wyn and Linda Miller and Dutton and Donna Miller all of Valdosta; grandchildren, Willis L. (Will) Miller, IV, of Valdosta, Dutton and Erin Miller of Columbia, SC, Richard Miller, Margaret Miller and Jonathan Miller, all of Valdosta; two great grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Dr. John and Jane Miller of Valdosta. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Dutton Miller and a brother, Mose Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, December 27, 2004 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta with Dr. Charles Adams, pastor of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5 pm until 7 pm at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the South Georgia Medical Center Foundation. Condolences may conveyed to the family online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602