Thomas Junior Miller, age 86 of Dayton, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at his home. He was born in Graysville on August 23, 1936, the son of the late Mack Harrison Miller and Polly Beatrice (Maynor) Miller. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Miller; his grandson, Jackie Pell; his two nephews, Keith Miller and Seth Miller; and his niece Angie Troupe.
Tom lived in Soddy Daisy but spent most of his life in Dayton. He began working for the railroad when he was 14 years old, served his country in the United States Army in the Korean War, was a truck driver, and finished his career with TVA after 29 years with the Local 454 Boilermakers Union. He loved going to church at Sale Creek Church of God. He enjoyed fishing, going coon hunting, horses, and spending time with family and friends. He loved playing his guitar, singing, and never missed an opportunity to play his spoons along with gospel music. He enjoyed having little jam sessions with family and friends. After retirement, one of his favorite things to do was sitting outside with his best friend and soulmate, Jane, under their shade tree watching the birds, deer, rabbits, squirrels, and planes go by. He loved nature, but above all, he loved the Lord.
Tom is survived by his wife and soulmate of 66 years, Addie Jane (Morgan) Miller; his four daughters, Debbie (Bart) Hill of Dayton, Rhonda (Brian Fisher) Shepherd of Calhoun, Lisa (Jesse) Valles of Seagraves, TX, and Tammy (Marvin) Jackson of Pikeville; his son, Gary (Sally) Miller of Waverly, TN; and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren: Jennifer, Andrew, Rachael, Derrick, Hannah, Gage, Kristen (Bailey), Payton, Robert, Jackson, Jessalyn, Madison, Addy Gayle, Maximus, Kamdyn, Gabriella, Emma Jo, Crystal, Gary Jr., Jessie, Tabitha, and Matt. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his siblings, Mary Pate of Soddy Daisy, Donna (Bud) Troutman of Dayton, Jean Troupe of Dunlap, and Jerry Miller of Dayton.
Funeral services for Tom will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Terry Bolton officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rhea Memory Gardens with a white dove release.
Please share your memories and photos of Tom on his online guest register at
www.vanderwallfh.com
The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, TN, where they will receive friends on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from noon until the time of the service.