REV. DR. EARL MILLER

Rev. Dr. Earl Miller was born on February 7, 1933 in Wolf Island, MO to Cornish and Mable Miller. He was the ninth of fifteen children; ten of whom preceded him in death along with his parents. He was affectionately known to many as "Babydoll". He came to know Christ at an early age. His mother was an elder and an evangelist and his father was a deacon. He grew up in the Friendship Baptist Church in South Bend, Indiana. Rev.

Miller attended Benjamin Harrison Grade School, and Washington High School in South Bend, Indiana, where he was the First Black quarterback of the Varsity Football Team. He graduated with an athletic scholarship to Ventura College in Ventura, CA. He was the first of 15 children to graduate high school and college.

Rev. Dr. Earl Miller was drafted into the United States Army in 1950. He held many positions among them serving as Platoon Sergeant and paratrooper during the Korean War for the 82nd Airborne Division. His final rank in the U.S. Army was Staff Sergeant. In 1956 in St. Louis, MO he met the feisty Lela Marie Trotter, they immediately fell in love.

On April 7, 1956 the two were united in Holy Matrimony. To this union two children were born. They grew to become the ultimate "Power Couple" in sharing 55 devoted years. They worked together at the Government Employee Mart in St. Louis, MO. He later became an Over the Road Traffic Manager for Intertherm formerly known as International Oil Burner. He was the first Black manage for that company. He retired in 1982. He was crowned deacon at Zion Springs Missionary Baptist Church. In 1963 he became an ordained minister under the guidance of Rev. Leonard Ward. In 1967 his family moved to Berkeley, MO, and in 1969 he joined Second Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor O.C. King. Following the death of Pastor King, Rev. Miller was elected Pastor.

Always seeking more knowledge and greater understanding, Pastor Miller continued his education earning a Bachelors Degree in Divinity from St. Louis University and Masters Degree in Divinity from concordia Seminary as well as National Theological Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He went on to earn a Doctorate Degree as well as a Ph.D from Western Bible College and Glad Tiding Bible College, respectively. While serving as Pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Miller was the founder of the United Fellowship District Association in Kinloch, MO where he served as Moderator. He also served two terms as Moderator of the Antioch District Association. Pastor Miller served as one of the founders of the Philadelphia District Association and was the Senior Advisor. He was a Corporate Board Member of the Sunday School Publishing Board. He also served as Housing Chairman of The National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. He held numerous positions including chaplain for the cities of Kinloch and Berkeley. He introduced many new and innovative visions that came to fruition in his 42 years of dedicated service including but not limited to the "New Church", Single Parent Ministry, POPC and Neewolah just to name a few. God called Rev. Miller to be with Him on December 25, 2011.

Reverend Miller leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife Lela Miller, one son: Bennie Stewart Jr. (Estella), four daughters: Andrea Trotter, Rosalind Reynolds, Mable Miller, Wanda Vernor (Kevin), twelve grandchildren, one preceding him in death, nineteen great grandchildren, one preceding him in death, twelve great-great grandchildren, one preceding him in death; one brother: Elton Galiday, four sisters: Connie Smith, Patricia Wafford, Queenie Allen (Larry), all of South Bend, IN, Dorothy Daniels (Thomas) of Georgia. One sister-in-law: Dorothy Miller of Lawrenceville, GA. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rev. Miller also had many god children, but he had one he was especially fond of (Nicole Bradley) she stuck with him until the end. Faithful companion Smokey. And last but not lease the entire SBC family. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Reverend Dr.Earl Miller. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 25, 2011.

04/30/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/dr-miller-obituary?pid=178735409