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WOODROW
MILLER, JF
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
- Nine Thirty in the Morning -
Harmony Baptist Church
928 Hopkins Street | Augusta, Georgia
____A-------
Reverend Clarence D. Hill | Presiding
The Life and Legacy of
Reverend Dr. Woodrow Miller, Jr.
WOODROW MILLER, JR. was born on February 22,1947 to Woodrow J. Miller
Sr. and Bessie R. Grafton in Richmond, Virginia. He spent his early years with
his family in Petersburg, VA and Clarksdale, MS. At an early age, Woodrow
displayed characteristics of intelligence, a helpful nature, an eagerness to work,
and a desire to learn. Upon completion of grade school his family moved from
Clarksdale, MS to Port Huron, MI. As the oldest of 14 children, Woodrow was
called upon to work while in junior high school (Port Huron, MI) and help
support the family at 12 years of age. In addition to working as a butcher for
a local grocery store and for the Prestolite Wire & Cable Company, he was
very involved with his local church (Mt. Olive Baptist Church Port Huron,
MI) and the community. A consummate competitor, Woodrow enjoyed
playing football and basketball. As an adult, he was a competitive racket
ball and handball player as well as an avid golfer.
In 1965, Woodrow enlisted in the United States Army and would go on to serve extensively in Vietnam,
Korea, The Netherlands, Hong Kong and Germany. In his pursuit of excellence, his military honors
included The Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon/
Service Bars (2), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Non-Commission Officer
Professional Development Ribbon (3), Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (6), and
numerous commendations and cash awards. Based on his Enlisted Evaluation Reports, Woodrow Miller
Jr. has consistently been praised by his superiors with the following remarks produces extraordinary
results, The finest NCO I have ever worked with in 22 years of sendee, highly motivated, Master
Sargent Miller is in the top one percent of all Noncommissioned Officers, Always produces maximum
results, He should be considered for promotion well ahead of his peers".
After retiring from the U.S. military in 1986, Woodrow continued serving in several capacities including:
Telecommunication, Satellite Communication, Computer Programmer Analyst, Information System
Support Administrator, Chief of Telecommunications Dhdsion (Defense Distribution Depot Memphis,
TN), and Chief of the Regional Information Management Office (Eisenhower Army Medical Center
Fort Gordon, GA). Additional military accomplishments include the completion of more than fifty
different training courses, thirty plus courses in Leadership Development and Personnel Management,
author of the Armys first Training and Evaluation Manual instructing battalions on how to integrate
communications on the battlefield.
Dr. Miller enjoyed learning and had an insatiable love of reading, writing and speaking. His love of
reading motivated him to build an extensive home library. His desire for reading made him feel as if
he could not read fast enough. So he began teaching himself speed reading and mind mapping skills in
order to enhance and hone his reading abilities. He wras extremely organized and recorded everything
on his calendar which read like a diary. He even recorded family visits as noted in his calendar enjoyed
my visit with my son Timothy, his wife Iuyana and my two grandchildren Morgan and Matthew'.
Dr. Miller set the bar high for his expressions of generosity and compassion, which was beyond measure!
He loved youth and encouraged them to aspire to reach their highest potential. Pastor Miller believed
strongly in the words of Isiah, Lord, here am I send me!!! Hence, he gave clothing and food to the
homeless. By his example and service, he encouraged others to do likewise.
Dr. Miller served as a Deacon for 10 years prior his to calling as a minister. In May of 1991, he accepted
his calling into the ministry and was ordained by Pastor David Lowe, Poplar Head Baptist Church,
Dealing, GA. In January of 1992, he taught both Old and New Testament courses, Sunday School
Classes, Biblical Studies, Baptist Training Union, and Ethics for Todays Christians. In 1997, Reverend
Dr. Woodrow Miller Jr. was approved by the church body as the seventh pastor of Harmony Baptist
Church (The Second Home of Morehouse College) where he faithfully served for more than twenty-
four years. As Pastor of Harmony Baptist, Dr. Miller placed strong emphasis on the chronicles of The
Churchs Rich History and re-established the relationship with Morehouse College by meeting with then
President Dr. Walter E. Massey and other faculty. This meeting was facilitated by Dr. Lawrence Edward
Carter, Sr. who upon learning from Pastor Miller the Harmony Morehouse connection; he was happy
to re-establish this relation to preserve the legacy. Under Rev. Millers leadership, he accomplished the
following: He archived historical documents, erected the church marquis, fenced the church property,
purchased additional land and paved the parking lot. Additionally, the church purchased a bus (cash)
in 2008 to meet the transportation needs of the church. On February' 27,2011 the church celebrated the
burning of the mortgage! During Dr. Millers tenure as the Senior Pastor of Harmony Baptist Church, he
was The Founders Representative (Dr. William Jefferson White), tasked with the opening and closing
of The Morehouse College Commencement, which, annually climaxed with the Ringing of The iconic
1778 Bell Of Old Silver Bluff Springfield Baptist Church of Augusta.
Woodrow Miller, Jr. married Annie R. Boyd in Wrens, GA on November 4, 1978. They were blessed
with forty-three wonderful years of marriage and two beautiful children Telisha and Timothy. He was
very proud of his daughter a graduate of Morehouse School of Medicines Public Health Program and
her accomplishments in the medical profession (Naturopathic Medicine), and equally proud of his son
a Morehouse Alum and Professor of Music (classically trained tenor soloist). He loved his daughter
by marriage, Iuyana and his two beautiful grandchildren Morgan and Matthew (The Westminster
Schools)! He w as honored to have named his son, granddaughter and grandson. He was very supportive
in their school life and did his best to attend every event that his schedule allowed. He was elated
that both Morgan and Matthew were writing books (available in late summer/early fall at www.
youngauthorspublishing.org).
After living a full and productive life, Woodrow (Woody) Miller, Jr. transitioned on Wednesday, June
23, 2021 in Fort Gordon, GA. He wras preceded in death by his father, Woodrow J. Miller Sr., brother,
James A. Miller, and sister, Dr. Joi Pimpleton.
Woodrow is survived by: his wife, Annie R. Miller; daughter, Dr. Telisha W. Miller; son, I imothy (Iuyana)
Miller; grandchildren, Morgan and Matthew Miller; brothers, Gregory (Senorthia) Miller, J.C. (Susan)
Miller, Marvin Miller, Darnell Miller, Michael (Glenda) Miller, Albert Miller and Patrick (Dorothy)
Miller; sisters, Margaret (Paul) Thelmas, Annette Miller, Susan (Kenneth) Manns and Yolanda Miller;
and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many other relatives and close friends.
Order of Service
PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL AND CALL TO CELEBRATION
SELECTION
Edwin Hamilton and Wycliffe Gordon
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
PRAYER OF COMFORT
Reverend Martris R. Mims
Pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
Reverend Gordon Thomas
Ross Grove Baptist Church
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
Evangelist Debra McNair
TRIBUTES (2 Minutes Each)
Reverend Tyron McCoy | Assistant Pastor, Harmony Baptist Church
Reverend Larry Augurson | Pastor, New Life Community Fellowship Baptist Church
Deacon Gerald Elim | Chairman of the Deacon Board, Harmony Baptist Church
Bob West, Family Friend
Donnie Smith, Family Friend
Robert Drayton, Friend and Colleague
Timothy Prestifilippo, Neighbor and Friend
SELECTION
Edwin Hamilton and Wycliffe Gordon
God Has Smiled on Me He has Set Me Free
FAMILY EXPRESSIONS
Telisha Miller, Timothy and Iuyana Miller,
Morgan Miller and Matthew Miller
SELECTION
Edwin Hamilton and Wycliffe Gordon
Jesus, You are The Center of My Joy
EULOGY - A FAITH TO LIVE BY
The Reverend Dr. Lawience Edward Carter, Sr., Dean
Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College
INTERMENT - 2 PM
Ft. Jackson National Cemetery | 4170 Percival Road | Columbia, SC
Dont remember me with sadness,
Dont remember me with tears,
Remember all the laughter,
Weve shared throughout the years
Now I am contented
That my life it was worthwhile,
Knowing that I passed along the
When you are walking down the
And youve got me on your mind,
Im walking in your footsteps
Only half a step behind.
So please dont be unhappy
Just because Im out of sight,
Remember that Im with you
Each morning, noon and night
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1978 - 2021
We, the family of Reverend Dr. Woodrow Miller, Jr. wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation and
sincere gratitude, everyone who has prayed, shown love and many acts of kindness duiing this difficult
time. Special thanks to Reverend Tyrone McCoy and The Harmony Baptist Church Family, Edwin
Hamilton - Minister of Music, Greater Young Zion Baptist Church and Wycliffe Gordon - Ameiican
Trombonist and Director of Jazz Studies, Augusta University. A special thanks to the stall, doctors and
nurses, Eisenhower Medical Center, The VA Medical Center, Doctors Hospital and The Emory University
Hospital. We will never forget you and ask for your continued prayers as we face tomorrow without the
presence of Woody to sustain us.
KINSEY & WALTON FUNERAL HOME
3618 Peach Orchard Road | Augusta, Georgia 30906
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... Love Mom ...
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To my son, I remember when you were small and how you would hold my hand, and as you
grew older you became a very strong man. Son, I have seventy-four years of memories that
I will treasure and keep safe in my heart, We share a bond that time and distance can never
break apart. Oh, howr my heart aches so, I w ould love to have you back and never let you go.
My first born "Son Shine gave me a life of happiness, May God rest upon your soul even
though there is sadness. Son, how I long to hear your voice and see a beautiful smile,
And have you back with me for just a little wiiile. So, until that day I see you again,
I will look to the sky and search among the stars for my son and best friend.