Garland Miller

Garland Miller “Garky”, age 90 of Mountain City, went home to be with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 8, 2025 at his home. Garland was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Beulah Miller and brother, Vaughn Miller (Ella).

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Ella Payne Miller; sons, Jimmy and wife Martha, David and wife Kathy; grandchildren, Jennifer Miller Smart (Andy), Julie Miller Crosswhite (Bud), Jason Miller (Heather), Laura Williams (BJ); sister, Shelby Stout (Clyde); brother in law, Don Payne (Wilma). He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren.

Garland and Mary Ella celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in July of last year and were so blessed in their time together. They loved to travel and were able to travel to every state, except Hawaii. But their greatest accomplishment was their loving family. Garland was so very proud of each one. Nothing delighted him more than for them to get together and eat. He was famous for his fried tenderloin, gravy, and fried apples. Garland also enjoyed beekeeping and turning out honey. But what he enjoyed the most was farming and gardening. In his younger years he pulled many of a tobacco plant and set out acres of tobacco. He did like being out in the hay field on a beautiful sunny day. He would also work everybody else into the ground. And he had also been known to have three different gardens. He especially enjoyed the tomatoes he grew. Garland was a former co-owner of Miller Woods Furniture Store and then later co-owner of Millers Carpet House for more than 30 years.

Garland has been a faithful member of First Freewill Baptist Church since 1960. If the church doors were open, he was there. He always enjoyed fellowshipping with his church family. He also served as deacon for 40 years. We think Garland would like to be remembered for his loving family, loving the Lord and for being faithful. “His faith has now ended in sight.”

The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at First Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastors Greg Poe and Rev. Frank Woods officiating. 

The graveside service and burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Phillippi Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jason Miller, Andy Smart, Bud Crosswhite, BJ Williams, Keith Setzer, and Steve Payne. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Eller, Mike Fritts, and Carl Williams. Honorary junior pallbearer is his “pride and joy and little buddy”, Drew Smart.

Family and friends ay visit at the home, 854 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mountain City, TN 37683.