David Miller

My father, David Edward Miller, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2020, after bravely facing the challenges of Parkinson's disease with faith and fortitude for the last few years. He was always a ROCK for the many people in his life. Steadfast, dependable, wise, peace through the midst of storms. His faith in God and our Lord Jesus was strong and real. He went to be with our Lord last Sunday at 17:47 p.m. When the doctor announced the time, we remembered immediately that Mom, his precious Annie B, left for Heaven 3 ½ years ago at 7:47 a.m.

Two weeks earlier Dad had repeated falls at his residence in Morningside of Belmont, we believe due to low blood pressure and dehydration. After a tough week in Centennial Hospital followed by a week at Richland Rehab, he appeared to be on the mend. On Sunday I called Dad and had a short chat. Then, just a few hours later, the call came from Richland: “Your Dad was found unresponsive. Hurray to the hospital.”

As my sister Joi and I stood by his side in the Vanderbilt ER talking and singing, touching his motionless face and legs, a surreal and dream state presence filled us both. The doctor and nurses shared in our extreme grief as the reality hit us. My dad transitioned from this physical life and body to the blessed spirit of the living God, to join mom. I don't think I've cried since Mom left. Tonight I cried a lot.

Mom and Dad started their life together meeting at the Meridian Street Church of God. I always heard that my Granny Miller invited Mom over for Sunday lunch after church and the rest is history. Dad worked as an assistant manager at the Cooper and Martin grocery store in Old Hickory, TN, when I was a little boy. As a 4-year-old toddler, I wrapped my arms around my new little baby sister Joi and carried her up a flight of stairs! Dad loved to remember and repeat that story.

Dad was in the Air National Guard. Our young family visited him during a training session in Gulf Port, MS. I can still see the dolphins swim as we looked over the bow of the ship. One of my earliest memories.

As a young couple, dad transitioned to Ford Motor Company's Nashville Glass Plant for a career in production which led into management. He was always known as dependable, fair and honest. Mom worked as an administrative assistant at the J.A. Jones Construction Company. Together they embarked on building a home in Madison, TN, an extreme challenge for this young couple. They were always faithful and diligent members of their church, Meridian Street Church of God, which later became Broadmoor Church of God and is now known as Life Church.

Dad was always my strong voice of wisdom. As an adult, I always referred to him as my financial advisor. Not too emotional, he was always a realist and focused on the facts. He was frugal and taught that principle by example.

During the past 20-30 years, he and Mom shared their common love for the old homeplace farm in Lawrenceburg, TN. They partnered with Uncle U.S. and friend Rex Miles in a small heard of cows. We loved going to the farm, counting the cows, mending fences, and recalling the many memories.

Dad was always faithful to care for his parents and check on his siblings and in-law family. When the grandchildren came, he became “Datdaddy” to us all.

He truly was a "Man of Steal and Velvet". That was the title of a poem I wrote of him many years ago. I hope that I can find it. I need to read it again.

We loved our Dad, David E. Miller. He truly was a man of honor.

David E. Miller, II and Kimberli Joi Tipps

Family

Beloved son of J.T. and Geneva Miller. Faithful husband of Annie B. Myers Miller.

Loving father of Kimberli Joi Tipps (Mark) and David E. Miller, II (Aka Eddie).

Attentive grandfather (Datdaddy) of Annie Tipps Bell (Gardner), Grace Tipps, and John Tipps.

Brother to Carolyn Miller Tune and Jere Miller

Brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.

Service times:

Due to Covid-19, the visitation and service will be outside at the grave site. Please observe 7 feet minimum social distancing and wear a face mask when in close proximity. The family also plan to have a memorial service in the spring at the old home place in Giles county.

The service will be this Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at 2:00 pm.

Forest Lawn funeral home,

(615) 859-5279

1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, Tennessee, 37072

There will be a visitation at 1:30pm., prior to the service.

Rest rooms are available in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in dad's memory to:

Life Church, https://lifechurchnashville.org/

The Michael J. Toomey Scholarship at Trevecca https://www.trevecca.edu/,

The Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/

or the charity of your choice.