David Hodge Miller

David Hodge Miller, 60, of Abingdon, Va., suddenly departed life at his home on Thursday, January 18, 2018. David was born on April 28, 1957, in Morristown, Tenn. to the late Dave Miller and Dorothy Churchman Miller.

David will always be remembered for his witty sense of humor, true compassion for others, and loyal friendship to many. He was a very talented photographer and painter and recently expanded that hobby with aerial photography. He loved hanging out with “buddies” at the lake where he honed his barbecue and grilling skills and spent many hours entertaining and enjoying life. His love for his fur babies, Sparkplug, Cheeto, and Little Bit, were often his objects of photography which he shared on social media.

David served in the United States Air Force where he received an honorable discharge in 1978. He spent several years as a Sound Man traveling from coast to coast with several bands, including Marty Stewart and Janie Fricke. After settling down in Southwest Virginia, he retired as a Service Manager for HVAC in Bristol, Tenn.

David is survived by his wife Wilma Davis Miller; sister Kathy Owens (Russell) of Maryville, Tenn.; aunt Mary Jett of Russellville, Tenn.; mother-in-law Judy Davis of Abingdon, Va.; children of his heart Tara LaFlamme Parks (Jason) of Meadowview, Va., Sara LaFlamme Whittington of Blacksburg, Va., Matthew LaFlamme and wife Stephanie Moretz LaFlamme of Taylors Valley, Tenn., and Courtney Moretz Hall (Josh) of Bristol, Va.; son Dave Miller; grandchildren Avery LaFlamme, Madison Parks, Lucas LaFlamme, Zelda LaFlamme, Claire Whittington, and Elizabeth Whittington; and sisters-in-law Tracie Goff (Duane) of Glade Spring, Va. and Tammy Olivo (Bruce) of Abingdon, Va. David is also survived by his “partner-in-crime” Donald “Doc” Mullins and his wife, Debbie.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2018, at Knollkreg Memorial Park with Tony Sullivan speaking. Pallbearers will be Duane Goff, Jimmy Helton, Josh Hall, Keith Rhymer, Cody Neece, and Jason Parks. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald “Doc” Mullins, Russell Owens, David McCracken, Ronnie Slagle, and Clyde Kiser. Military honors will be presented by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the United States Air Force. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to convene at the funeral home by 12:45 p.m. Monday to travel in procession. Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of David and his courageous battle to fight cancer to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of David Hodge Miller is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).