Charles H. Miller Jr.

Charles Herman Miller, Jr., 63, of Martinsville passed away on Saturday July 25 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born February 6, 1952 in Albemarle, NC to the late Charles Herman Miller and Mary Harris Miller. He attended Albemarle City Schools, Wingate University and NC State University where he was a full C.A. Cannon Jr. Textile Scholar from 1970-1974. He received degrees in Chemistry and Textile Technology in 1975. He worked for over 30 years in the textile industry in varying capacities including Dye Lab Manager, Director of Dyeing and Finishing, Chemical Engineer, General Manager and Plant Manager, his career taking him to various locations in the southeast, most notably Kinston, Liberty, Laurinburg and Mt. Airy, NC, and Martinsville, VA. He retired in 2003 as Vice President of Manufacturing at Bassett-Walker, Inc. in Martinsville. A former member of Piedmont Masonic Lodge No. 52, he was Worshipful Master in 1998 and 2011. He was also active in George W. Wright Commandry No. 31 and Royal Arch Chapter No. 40, attaining the highest leadership positions in each of the local Masonic organizations. In addition, he was also District Deputy of these organizations at various times during his Masonic years. A current member of Rocky Mount Lodge No. 201, he was also active in the Martinsville Chapter No. 66 Order of the Eastern Star and the Piedmont Shrine Club. Charlie was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville where he was active in the church-sponsored Scout Troop 61 and served as its Scoutmaster and troop committee member for 31 years. He received numerous awards for his involvement in Scouting including Outstanding Scoutmaster Award, Scoutmaster of the Year and the BSA District Award of Merit, but he was most proud of the 35 Eagle Scouts his troop produced during his tenure as Scoutmaster. During his retirement years, in addition to Scouting he volunteered with the Bassett Rescue Squad as a certified EMT. He also served during the summers as camp medic at BSA Camp John J. Barnhardt in the Central NC Council. His hobbies included camping, hiking, cooking, playing the banjo and restoring antique automobiles with his friends in the Piedmont Shrine Club. Charlie is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marion A. Miller of the home and four children, Leslie M. Naradikian and husband Markar of Tucson, AZ, Mary L. Miller of Belfast, UK, Rebecca M. McGown and husband Matt of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and Charles Allan Miller of Martinsville; one grandson, Souren Markar Charles Naradikian of Tucson, one sister, Elizabeth M. Lefler and husband Charles of Albemarle, NC, one nephew, Matthew Charles Lefler of Durham, NC, many friends, former scouts and his beloved beagle Bucky. A friend to all, Charlie died as he had lived, with grace, kindness, generosity, a keen sense of humor in every situation and a great capacity to love. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 29 , at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, with Rev. Mark Hinchcliff officiating, with visitation following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Duke Cancer Institute ([email protected] or call 919-385-3129) or to any charity of the donor's choice. Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home of Martinsville is assisting the Miller family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com