Willis (Wyn) Linton Miller, Iii

Willis (Wyn) Linton Miller III, born October 19, 1947, in Valdosta, GA, died at his home on May 4, 2022 after a long battle with leukemia. His wife, his son, and his dear friend Eli Metts were at his side.
Representing the third generation of Willis Lintons, his mother wanted a distinctive name for her first-born child. An avid reader, she nicknamed him “Wyn” after a character in a book. Wyn attended Valdosta High School (’65). His college years—first at Oxford College, in Covington, and then continuing at Emory University in Atlanta—were transformative and resulted in lifelong friendships. He received his BA from Emory (‘69) and then, in 1972, his law degree from the Emory University School of Law.

After passing the bar exam, Wyn returned to Valdosta with his new bride, Atlanta native Linda Kinard. He worked as a solo practitioner before joining and later becoming a partner in the firm now known as Dover Miller Karras Langdale & Brantley. Wyn was grateful that his colleagues, with whom he shared a productive, supportive camaraderie, also became his close friends.

A deep desire to give back drove Wyn’s civic engagement. He was a member of multiple community organizations. From 1990-91 he served as president of the State Bar of Georgia’s Valdosta chapter, and he was in the Valdosta Rotary Club for more than 30 years. He served on boards: the South Georgia Regional Library Board; the Board of Trustees at Valdosta First United Methodist Church (his church of many years); and the Board of Counselors at Oxford College. He gave generously. His love of reading, something shared with his mother, led to his playing a significant role in construction of the new regional library on Julia Drive. Doing what he could to help others succeed was extremely important to him. He spent countless hours mentoring young lawyers, one of his great joys. And he cared deeply about leveling the playing field for those less fortunate. Wyn was proud to support the Student Mentoring In Life and Education (SMILE) program, founded by his cousin John M. Miller, Jr., which provides Valdosta High School students with skills and guidance needed to attend and thrive in college. A scholarship in Wyn’s name at Oxford College provides full tuition to students with demonstrated financial need, with priority given to SMILE students.

A devoted husband and father, Wyn loved his wife Linda and his son Will. His friends, who came from all walks of life, sustained him. In particular, beginning around twenty years ago, he spent his Saturdays playing golf with a group of men, including his brother Dutton, whom he loved very much.

Wyn was preceded in death by his father, Willis Linton Miller, Jr.; his mother, Margaret Dutton Miller; and his stepmother, Maxwell Williams Miller.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Kinard Miller; his son, Willis Linton “Will” Miller IV of Atlanta; his brother, Dutton Maxwell Miller (Donna); his brother-in-law, David M. Kinard (Jean) of Atlanta; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and other loving family members.

Wyn’s family would like to thank Hospice of South Georgia and its dedicated staff—particularly Eli Metts, Maryanne Stone, Callet Prine, and Ken Croft—for their care for Wyn during his last few days of life. In lieu of flowers, Wyn requested that contributions be made to the Salvation Army, Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP), or Hospice of South Georgia.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 7, 2022 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Anthony McPhail officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6-8pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed online on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane