John Vernon Miller

John was born on November 12, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, to Jack H. and Frances Vernon Miller. Following his graduation from Irving High School in 1962, he attended North Texas State University in Denton and later spent six years in the Naval Air Reserve. It was here his love for flying airplanes began. At that time, he enjoyed flying friends and family around in his Piper Cherokee for quick trips and outings.

From an early age, John inherited a passion for hunting from his beloved grandfather, John Vernon from Arlington, Texas. Hunting became a favorite pastime, as he loved being outdoors and studying the habits of animals. He enjoyed taking many family members, friends and especially one memorable and final hunt with his grandson, John Walker.

Boating was also an activity he truly enjoyed. He purchased his first boat, a bright yellow speedboat, in his early twenties. He took full delight in zipping around Lake Lewisville at breakneck speeds to entertain and terrorize his family and friends. This was also a hobby John and his son Jay bonded over throughout their lifetimes together. At one point in time, both of them kept boats at Lake Lewisville and shared many wonderful memories together.

For many years John worked alongside his father, Jack H. Miller, at the Dallas Apparel Mart representing his family-owned company called “Sunny Isles”. They were quite a team, both making lifelong friends wherever they went. In 1986, John started his own company, ACT Services, for which he served as the President. He was proud to become the number one company for the State Fair of Texas and among many others (SMU, Starplex Amphitheater, The Cotton Bowl, AT&T Byron Nelson….. just to name a few) to provide set-up, cleaning and breakdown services; many of which are still in place today.

In 1974, John was introduced to Shirley Walker while living in the same area of Dallas. They married in 1976 at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. In January 1977 their first child was born, Ashley. Then followed by a son, John “Jay” Vernon Miller, a year later.

John is proceeded in death by his parents Frances and Jack Miller and also his son, Jay Miller. He is survived by his sister Dyanne Turner (Jim), his sister Vicki Grounds (Ben), his loving ex-wife Shirley Miller and also his daughter and son-in-law Ashley and Chris Botto. Also, his three beloved grandchildren: Caroline, Walker and Livie Botto.

A graveside funeral will be held on Friday, December 2, at 10:00 a.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas. A reception will follow at 11:00 am at Brookhaven Country Club, located at 3333 Golfing Green Dr., Farmers Branch, TX 75243.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to St. Jude Research Hospital in Mephis, TN.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Miller family.