Joel "Joey" Patrick Miller

Joel Patrick Miller, age 66, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024. He was surrounded by family. He is survived by his children Justin Patrick Miller (Jessica) and Allison Miller Hobbs (Jordan), as well as his two brothers, Hal Miller (Jessica) and Gary Miller. He is predeceased by his wife of 31 years, Suzanne Smith Miller and parents, Harold C. and Jewell Blanche Miller.

Joel or “Joey” was just shy of celebrating 47 years at FedEx. He started on January 30, 1978 unloading and loading planes in the hub. From the hub, came the power plant line / engine shop then ultimately the avionics line. If anyone knows about FedEx, you know having an employee number like 8044 is hard to find. With 46 years comes a lifetime of making friends as well as knowledge of his position. Joey never failed to learn and understand the inner workings of an airplane. He trained many apprentices and always helped anyone who asked. Coworkers would look to him for answers about aircrafts, and there was a good chance he had that one “part or piece” hanging around in his locker.

When talking with friends, family and those that knew him, words such as “kind,” “great,” and “sweet” were said over and over. The most frequent shared had to be that he was a “good man.” What a compliment to receive. It can be difficult to think of someone who is always smiling and ready to step up and be a good friend, but that was Joey through and through. He never hesitated to help someone out, no matter what they needed. He never failed to remember details about someone, and truly care about them. When you try to find a synonym for a good person - words such as compassionate, helpful, integrity, and honorable will result. These words hold such weight. A good man like Joey Miller is someone to aspire to be, for those attributes mirror that which we see in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:23 says “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Joey had a servant’s heart. Serving others and being a quiet observer was what he did best. Now this wonderful servant can at last be with the Lord- happy, healthy, and cheering Go Tigers Go! from the best seat in the house.

A wonderful friend of his, Lee Grant, shared such truth when he said that he “found it impossible to find the words that adequately express the sadness of losing a dear friend.” Dad, I hope I found a few of those “right words” to share with everyone here today. Losing you is a pain and heartache that I know I and so many others can’t yet begin to express, because you were just that incredible of a father and friend. Justin and I love you and we will be missing you greatly.

His family will greet friends and loved ones at a visitation at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133 on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, with interment to follow.