James "Sid" Sidney Miller

James Sidney Miller, 91, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Betty Wadsworth Miller, as well as his parents, Slater Earl and Minnie Stokely Miller, and two brothers Milton Miller and Ben Miller.

He is survived by his daughter Laura Miller Averette, his son in law Rusty Averette, granddaughter, Miller Caroline Averette, grandson, Rhett Averette, brother, Ulmer Ray (Clara) Miller, sister-in-law, Alice Wade, brother’s in law Bob Wadsworth and Larry (Betty Ruth) Wadsworth and a host of nieces and nephews.

James Sidney, “Sid” as he came to be known was born in the height of the Great Depression in 1933 in the small town of Millry, Alabama in Washington County. He and his three brothers and mother survived on faith in God, hard work, and the kindness of family following the untimely death of his father Slater.

At the age of 18, Sid joined the military alongside his cousin W. E. Miller. They left behind their small town having never known indoor plumbing and electricity to sail around the world twice in the service of the United States Navy and were present for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London, England in June, 1953.

Sid reached the rank of Torpedoman, Third Class, and served for four years during the Korean War aboard the USS Charles J. Badger, a destroyer which escorted aircraft carriers. Serving in the U. S. Navy continued to be a source of great pride even at the ripe age of 91 where Sid proudly wore hats sporting NAVY where he would often be “thanked for his service” by strangers or have his restaurant bill covered.

Following the Navy, Sid settled in Birmingham where he attended Birmingham Business College and learned the electrical trade. He worked for the City of Birmingham as an electrical inspector before starting his own electrical contracting business, Miller Electric.

He spent forty years as an electrician, serving construction and property management companies. A kindhearted man he was often willing to offer jobs to those who found themselves down on their luck, or in need of second chances, but willing to work. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time on the lake, being roped in to projects with his daughter Laura, and growing a garden. He was known for growing the best Better Boy tomatoes which his wife Betty happily canned for winter.

After experiencing the loss of his wife Betty, he sought comfort in the Lord and returned to the roots of faith planted in his youth in Millry. At age 84 he professed faith in Christ and was baptized. He joined Christ Church Birmingham and was a member of The Joyful Searchers Sunday School Class where he found the love and fellowship of true Christian community and contributed to the ministry of the men at the Firehouse Shelter.

Funeral services will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham on Wednesday, 11/6/24. The family will receive visitors at 2PM in the Chapel with funeral services at 3PM followed by graveside military honors at Southern Heritage Cemetery. Reverend Jason Sterling officiating.