John Van Horne Miner Jr.

John Van Horne Miner, Jr, 88, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2015. He was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on June 24, 1926. His parents were Arline Crenshaw Miner and John Van Horne Miner. In his youth, John was a lifeguard at Daytona Beach. He graduated from Seabreeze High School, where he was salutatorian. After graduation, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology. During World War II, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and he entered the officer training corps at Georgia Tech. He received his commission in 1946. In 1944, he met the love of his life, Cecil Thomas, of Uniontown, Alabama. They were married on July 10, 1946. They celebrated their 68th anniversary in 2014. After earning his bachelor’s degrees in Naval and Civil Engineering and his master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Georgia Tech, John entered the U.S. Public Health Service, working in Cincinnati, Ohio and Natchidoches, Louisiana. John returned to Atlanta in 1950. He joined the Taulman Company in 1955 working in sales. He retired in 1993 as President of the Taulman Sales Company. John's three daughters were the joy of his life. John and Cecil were long-time communicants at the Cathedral of St. Philip, where John was elected to the Cathedral Chapter on multiple occasions, serving as both Junior and Senior Warden. He was Head Verger for many years. John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He relished time spent in nature. John had a great love for Cumberland Island, his church, his family, and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He served on the board of the Alexander-Tharpe Athletic Fund for many years. In retirement, John enjoyed traveling, visiting with his family and friends, and his work in the walk in ministry at St. Philip's. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Lucien Foye Miner. He is survived by his wife, Cecil; his daughters Linda Carswell (Nathaniel) of Louisville, KY, Lois Yates (Danny) of Atlanta, Peggy Hawkins (Charles) of St George Island, FL; grandchildren Jennifer Daniel (Roger) of Danville, KY, Nathaniel Carswell of Louisville, KY, John Carswell (Greta) of Franklin, TN, Katie Carswell of Louisville, KY, Maggie Fischer (Brooks) of Atlanta, Daniel Yates (Julie) of Atlanta, Lucie Hawkins of New York, NY, Laura Hawkins of Cumberland Island, GA, Caroline Hawkins of Athens, GA; and thirteen great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Thursday, February 26th at 2:00pm at the Cathedral of St Philip. The family will receive friends following the service in Child Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cathedral of St. Philip.