Dr. John M. Miller

Dr. John M. Miller, 82, formerly of Valdosta passed away Tuesday morning, November 23, 2010, at his Lakeland residence. Following a long illness, he died in the dwelling where he was born in 1928, the youngest son of Lint and Lena Lee Miller. Dr. Miller received his high school diploma from Emory University Academy in 1946 and earned his junior college diploma from Emory at Oxford in 1949. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Emory University in 1949, he entered the University of Georgia where he earned his master’s degree.

He was awarded his doctor of medicine degree at the Medical College of Georgia in 1956 and then interned at the University of Tennessee John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Miller received his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of Georgia during 1957 -1960. During 1959-1960, he was chief resident at the medical college.

Dr. Miller practiced obstetrics and gynecology from 1960 until his retirement beginning in 1998 at Pineview General Hospital that later became South Georgia Medical Center. He served SGMC in several leadership roles including Chief of Staff. As a youth growing up in Lakeland, he became a member of the United Methodist Church, and he held membership for many years at Valdosta’s First United Methodist Church.

An avid basketball fan-both financially and as a supporter in the stands-he was the recipient of Valdosta State University’s Sixth Man Award during the 1976 season. VSU Athletic Director Billy Grant once said he had “rather have John Miller in the stands” than a sixth player on the basketball court. Dr. Miller liked to hunt in the game abundant region where he grew up. He enjoyed the woods and hunting dove. John Howard Colliver a friend from Louisville, Kentucky, wrote recently, “John Miller’s been a good steward of the land and humble in his accomplishments.” He especially liked to fish everywhere from area clay holes to the Caribbean and in the ponds located at Miller Farms in Lanier County. He was a lover of animals and always had a dog with him. The physician took pride in raising Black Angus cows, and he liked to dig in the dirt. He enjoyed planting, growing vegetables, and sharing the harvest with friends.

Dr. Miller was credited with helping to organize a Valdosta men’s group named “The Mafia” where he was known as “The Godfather.” Joe Cordova, retired Georgia Power Company executive, once spoke about the group when he declared, “It’s the best time I’ve ever had in my life-going to the Mafia meetings at John Miller’s place.”

Dr. and Mrs. Miller were recently in Kentucky where they met Donna Bucciarelli and her daughter. Mrs. Bucciarelli later wrote to Dr. Miller saying, “The chance of meeting perfect strangers gave me so much support (during my daughter’s schooling). I remember when we first met and you said, “Hey, Suga!” That was a defining moment for her.” A day later the daughter-Jess Bucciarelli-wrote the Millers; “I just wanted you to know that it was truly an honor knowing and meeting you in Kentucky. You changed me that morning and gave me confidence to go to school and stick it out…May you find peace in heaven for eternity.”


Survivors include his wife, Patricia Sirmans Puckett Miller, of Lakeland; two daughters, Nan Troutman and Janie Martin, both of Valdosta; a son, John Marvin Miller, Jr. of Valdosta; five grandchildren, Ronnie and Ashley Troutman of Valdosta, Jennifer and David Stump of Valdosta, Whitney and James Owens of Denver, Colorado, Miller Troutman of Brunswick, Callie Martin of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Jane Cook Miller, the mother of his children. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Mose Miller and Willis Miller, Jr.



Visitation for Dr. Miller will take place Friday evening, November 26, 2010 at the Carson McLane Funeral Home between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Lakeland United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. Dr. John McGowen of Valdosta and Reverend Peter Barlow of Lakeland will officiate. Burial will follow at the Lakeland City Cemetery. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Lakeland United Methodist Church, PO Box 7, Lakeland, GA 31635, LAMP, 714 Charlton Street, Valdosta, GA, 31601, or to the Humane Society of Lanier County, PO Box 381 Lakeland, GA 31635. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the Miller family.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602