McKinley Garfield Miller

McKinley Garfield Miller departed this life for his home in Heaven on May 9, 2025. After defying all odds at birth as a preemie in 1942, he lived a spirit-filled life for 82 years. As his parents, Cam and Rose Lee Miller, were told that he would not survive, his name was chosen by the doctor, who used the name to honor two assassinated US Presidents.

McKinley, who was also called Ken and Kenneth by some, began his work life as a plumber’s assistant and then worked as a mechanic and later a parts manager at Crabtree Buick. He then began a 34-year career at Clinchfield Coal Company at the Moss 3 Prep Plant in Russell County, Virginia. He was a proud member of the UMWA Local 1259 and was faithful to attend meetings and serve in many capacities over the years.

After retirement, he began beekeeping. He enjoyed learning the art of how the bees worked and jarring honey to share with others. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed keeping his yard precisely manicured and joked that he needed a golf course flag for his front yard. He loved deer hunting, fishing, gardening, looking for ginseng and riding his four-wheeler.

He was a faithful member of Valley View Freewill Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for 51 years. He had also served as the song leader, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. He was the first one to the church to open the doors for every service. He visited the sick, attended funeral services and tended to the hearts of all of God’s children.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ann Miller. They were as dedicated to each other as they were to their church, their community, and most of all, their family. Together they raised two sons, David Miller (Felisha) and Darren Miller (Priscilla), and they welcomed to the world and always supported three grandchildren; Alex (Jake) Miller Brown and McKenzie and Hunter Miller. They attended every ballgame, school function and graduation being the ultimate cheerleaders for all their grandchildren. They later gained two bonus grandchildren; Emily and Ashley Webb and great-grandchildren, Maddie and Sophie.

He was a loving and supportive brother to Jerry (Donna) Miller, Louise Norris, Irene (Lindy) McCall, Maggie Brewer, Brenda (Rob) Statzer, and the late Charlie Ray Miller along with three siblings that passed as infants. He was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law Junior Norris and Darrel Brewer. He was also a supportive uncle to nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:45 pm. At 8:00 pm the UMWA Honor Guard will provide a miner’s funeral service. The Christian funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Nick Shortridge officiating at the Farris Funeral Service Chapel with interment to follow at Forest Hills Memory Garden. Pallbearers will be Travis Miller, Steve Miller, Matt Miller, Bobby Norris, Ronnie Norris, Mark Spears, Rennick Tuell and Roy Edminston. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Spears, Justin Carbary, the men of Valley View Freewill Baptist Church, and the UMWA Honor Guard. Friends may also visit at any time at the family home.

The family of McKinley Garfield Miller is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.