Rev. Richard Miller

Our community mourns the loss of a pioneer, Pastor Richard Clarence Miller, Sr., who was called to his eternal home on Friday, February 7, 2025. Born on March 4, 1940, in Winston-Salem, NC, to the late William Baxter and Sarah Miller, Pastor Miller's. He was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Miller, his son, Antonia DjWane Miller, and his grandson, Donald (aka: DJ) Lowery. Pastor Miller was remarkably dedicated to his work. After over 30 years at Reynolds America, formerly R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, he retired. He valued strong work ethics, consistently arriving at least thirty minutes early each day. He was a former Saint Stephens Missionary Baptist Church member who was active and held various positions. Pastor Miller accepted the call to preach the Gospel in 1982 and founded the Jehovah-Jireh Prison Ministry. He was ordained as Pastor of The Trinity Center of WS in 1983. Pastor Miller attended the first Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Conference, and his life changed tremendously. He immediately shared this experience with the church and began to rebuild and restructure the ministry. Pastor Miller was installed as District Overseer of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of North Carolina Northwest District. Within the Full Gospel Fellowship, Pastor Miller served as the First Assistant to the General Overseer of the Southern-Atlantic region. Within the State Fellowship, he was the Instructor of Stewardship and was Pastor over Pastors. The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship had a special place in the heart of Pastor Miller. Pastor Miller's unwavering commitment to community service was further demonstrated through the founding of the R.I.C.H. Community Development Corporation. His vision for this corporation was to Re-invest in the community by Improving lives and Creating Hope through mentoring, educational, and substantial support programs. His dedication to serving others is a source of inspiration for us all. Pastor Miller's service extended beyond the church walls. He was an active board member of Hold-Out-The-Lifeline Ministries, where he played a crucial role in reducing infant mortality in Forsyth County. He also served on the North Winston Community Development Corporation board, contributing to the betterment of our local community. His leadership as the chairperson of the Northeast Ministry and Co-Chairman of the Greater Winston-Salem United Christian Ministries, Inc. was instrumental in their success. His commitment to humanitarian causes was further demonstrated through his role as a Red Cross Volunteer and member of the Red Cross Blood Drive Board of Directors. His dedication was recognized with the Exceptional Service Award for his Blood Drive services. Through the linage of Pastor Miller, God so ordained that two of his sons (Richard Jr. and Joseph Sr.) along with his eldest daughter (Olympeia Howell) and three grandsons (Akeem Howell, Antonio Howell, and Joseph Miller, Jr.) received the mantel of preaching the Gospel. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He was married to his beloved wife, Ernestine W. Miller, for 57 years, a testament to their enduring love. Together, they raised a loving family, instilling in them the values of faith, compassion, and service. His children, Richard (aka: Scooter) Miller, Jr of Suffolk, Virginia, Olympeia (Richard) Howell, Valeria (Timothy) Smith, Jr., Joseph (Nicole) Miller, Sr., Trenia (Jonathan) Samuels, Aquilla Miller, Angie (Dwight) Bagley; and his grandchildren, Akeem (Dania) Howell, Antonio (Ericka) Howell, Monique Miller, Andre Howell, Joseph Miller, Jr., Jenee’ Miller, Denise Smith, Rashard Miller, Timothy Smith, III, Heaven Samuels, Latarsha Jeter, Odasia Joyner-Torrence; his great-grandchildren, Daniel Wyrick, Harmony Howell, Ashlyn Howell, Hailee Howell, RyneTucker, Brittany Johnson, Brandon Jeter, Dace VanEaton; and his great, great-grandchild, Manila Williams, will continue his legacy of love and service. Pastor Miller’s Legacy will live on through us every time we think or mention some of his famous quotes: “You Ain't So Such-A-Much!” “Don’t Mess with My Faith!” “If God Said It… That Settles It!” “I Could Not Do This Without Each Of You!,” “Love Is An Action Word That Should Reach Out and Touch You!” and the Greatest Of Them All… “TINE!”. Pastor Miller, your life has been an inspiration. You were raised without a father but have fathered so many; you loved hard and had a gigantic heart. You not only gave us YOU, but you also gave cars, clothes, money, food, a place to stay, homes, furniture, and candy from your white Styrofoam bowl on your desk. Your selflessness has left us all feeling deeply grateful and appreciative of your unwavering generosity. We are forever grateful for your selfless acts of kindness. Pastor Miller, we Salute, Praise, Honor, Appreciate, and Applaud you. You will always be Recognized and Respected. Your influence and the depth of our admiration for you will never fade. “Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant! For your works will follow you!” LONG LIVE A KING! To God Be The Glory A public viewing will be held Thursday February 13, 2025, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Friday February 14, 2025, at 11:00 am from The Trinity Center 5307 Peters Creek Parkway and interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 10:30 am at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.

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Rev. Richard Miller

March 4, 1940 - February 7, 2025