Mr. Edward Leon Miller

On Saturday, August10, 2024, right around midnight, Edward Leon Miller cashed in the most lucrative contract of all: Eternal Life. He departed peacefully from home engulfed in love and surrounded by his adoring family. Edward, known as Eddie, was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Young and Catherine Young as well as his mother, Lillian O. Robinson. He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters all of the city: Dr. Wyleia Shawn Miller, E. Tayola McNeil (Terrance McNeil I) and Dr. Mercedes L. Miller; one son: Edward Isaiah Foster; five grandchildren: Blake DeShawn Byrd, Taylor-Leigh Dominique McNeil, Terrance Dominic McNeil, II, Kenton King Foster and Joy Willow Michelle Foster; and one great-grandson, Terrance Dominic McNeil, III; two sisters: Patricia Miller Solomon Douglas and Bishop Andrea Miller Nash; his devoted and cherished companion who he considered his wife, Deborah Williams and a loyal comrade who he regarded as a son, Tyrone Banks. Edward Leon Miller was a consummate entrepreneur, faithful giver and staunch supporter in the community whose impact can be felt and the remnants of his work still experienced in communities of faith where he funded and built churches, supported and financed non-profit work, spearheaded and participated in grassroots, behind the scenes aid to those in need. He was a secret closet giver and seed sower whose trees continue to bear fruit decades later. Much of this generosity which produced powerful work, philanthropy and success was done in partnership with his former wife and the mother of his three beloved daughters, Brenda Elizabeth Nelson. Eddie started his working life at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company where he worked for more than a decade. After being told he would never be a supervisor or manager because he lacked the skillset, he walked off the job immediately and became an entrepreneur. He was the owner (or co-owner) of numerous, lucrative businesses over the years including Disco 2000, Mr. J’s Uptown, J. Henry Men’s Fashion, Flowers by Fair, Car Care Center, KT Auto Sales. Eddie Miller was a powerful promoter who rented out the convention center, large scale venues and intimate settings for such events, acts and celebrities as Dizzy Gillespie, Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan, Flip Wilson, B Angie B, Sister Sledge, The Treacherous Three, George Dukes, Donald Byrd and The Black Byrds, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five MCs, Ohio Players and The O’Jays. Eddie was an entrepreneur's enduring advocate as he intentionally supported and undergirded those starting, growing and expanding businesses. For his unchronicled accomplishments, litany of "firsts" and far-reaching impact, Eddie Miller is known and often referred to as a LEGEND. He was a powerful force who did everything big and had few regrets. A tough persona with an enormous heart, Eddie valued loyalty, family and community. He was ecstatic when he got the one thing he always wanted – a son – L’il Eddie. From young adulthood until his last breath, there was nothing that Edward Leon Miller cherished more than his three daughters Shawn, Tayola and Dezzy. He would and did go to the ends of the earth to provide, guide and support his girls. He lived for them and spent his last year and days in life surrounded by and extensively cared for by them. His uncanny wisdom, unparalleled support and curt conversation will be desperately missed. Edward Leon Miller was a man of all men and every man and woman who experienced the enormity and true essence of his greatness attests to it – now and always. A public viewing will be held Friday August 16, 2024, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Saturday August 17, 2024, at 12pm from Union Baptist Church and interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 11:30 am. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.

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Mr. Edward Leon Miller

July 1, 1947 - August 11, 2024