Ernest Everett "Ernie" Miller

Ernest Everett "Ernie" Miller, 100, of Cary died Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at UNC REX Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Apex. He was born March 15, 1921 in Spencer, NC to the late Ernest Edgar and Lillian Agatha Eller Miller. He grew up on a farm four miles east of Spencer on Trading Ford Road, where the family moved when he was one year old.

After graduating from East Spencer High School in 1939, Ernie worked as a pipefitter helper at the Spencer Railroad Shops before entering Salisbury Business College, where he met the love of his life, Jane Gardner. Their courtship was interrupted while he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While stationed in the South Pacific, Ernie was selected to attend the Navy Officer Training School V-12 program at the University of North Carolina. One of his highlights at Carolina was making the football team. When the war ended, he was honorably discharged and he and Jane were married in Salisbury, NC on February 16, 1946. Ernie finished his undergraduate studies at Catawba College and was granted an AB degree in 1949. Later in life he did postgraduate work at NC State College in Raleigh.

Ernie's life's work was with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He worked at ASCS offices in Salisbury, Statesville, Asheboro, and Raleigh, retiring from the State Office in Raleigh in 1983.

Ernie and Jane moved to Cary in January 1958, and in 1961 they became charter members of White Plains United Methodist Church. Ernie was heavily involved in church work, and once jokingly said that he had served on every board and committee except president of the United Methodist Women. Some of his other activities in the community included coaching youth league baseball, football, and basketball, 16 years on the Cary Town Board of Adjustment, Cary Jaycees, life member of the Cary American Legion, chairman of the Cary Senior Golf Association, Raleigh Senior Fun Golfers, and pitcher for the church softball team.

Ernie will be remembered for his love, support, and devotion to his Lord and his loving wife and family, and his generous and unselfish spirit and kindness to others. He leaves many cherished memories and will be missed by all of those he touched in his life.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 72 years, Jane; an infant son, Steven Gardner Miller; brothers, Coy , Ed, and Jimmy; and sisters, Olivia File, Rena Morris, and Pauline Leazer.

Ernie is survived by his sons, Kent Miller (Marilyn) of Spartanburg, SC and Kevin Miller (Tammy) of Cary; grandchildren, Ryan Miller (Katie) of Mount Pleasant, SC, Marc Miller (Casey) of Cowpens, SC, Rhett Miller (Krystie) of Charlotte, NC, and Meghan Boyle (Jimmy) of Spartanburg; great-grandchildren, Jordan Boyle of Spartanburg, Case Miller and Crew Miller of Cowpens, and Sally Miller and Sarah Miller of Mount Pleasant; sister, Zeta Smith of Salisbury, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at White Plains United Methodist Church. Those wishing to greet the family may do so in the church courtyard following the inurnment ceremony in the church columbarium.

Memorials may be made to White Plains United Methodist Church, 313 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511.

The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding care provided Ernie by UNC REX Rehabilitation and Nursing Care of Apex during his long-term stay there, and also extend a special thank you to Mo. The attentiveness and loving care that Ernie received from the administrative and office staff, health care providers, and activities coordinators at Rex Rehabilitation is sincerely appreciated.