Gary Woodrow Miller

" In the Evening of Life, we will be judged on love alone." St. John of the Cross. Gary Woodrow Miller, 65, went home to be with his Lord and God, the Author of Love on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, after a courageous battle with the ravages of Agent Orange. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his girls. Blessed by his love are: his wife of 43 years and sweetheart for 50 years, Susan Scott Miller; their three daughters, Meredith Miller Gottschalk (Tikkun) and their cherished daughters, Justine Ayelet Gottschalk and Sophie Amarit Gottschalk all of Asheville, NC; Britainy Miller Dearman (Jonathan) and their beloved sons, Jonas Wade Dearman and Zephyr James Dearman all of Statesville; and Andrea Elizabeth Miller of North Shore, Oahu; brother, Richard Kelly Miller and brother-in-law, Daniel Lee Scott. Gary relished his roles as father and grandfather. Gary was born on January 4, 1951 to Mary Ellen Silman Miller and Dempsey Woodrow Miller, both deceased. Also preceding Gary in his homecoming is his stillborn son, William Rhett Miller on September 19, 1977. Gary graduated from Statesville High School in the class of 1969 and from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland in 1973 with a BS in International Relations and a letter of commendation. Both of these loving classes came alongside Susan and Gary during a devastating time in an effort to understand what was happening to Gary's health. Their kindness and friendship will be remembered and cherished always. During his time at USNA, Gary had the opportunities to be an exchange student at the Japanese Naval Academy and to serve for a summer aboard on a Turkish submarine, functioning as Communications Officer in NATO exercises and receiving a unique history lesson from the Captain on the bridge while passing through the strait of the Dardanelles. After graduation from USNA, Gary began flight school and served in Jacksonville, FL, Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX and finally with the VQ-4 squadron in California, Maryland, which took him and his fellow flight crew to the Azores, Iceland, Spain and the UK. After all the international travel, Gary was determined to share with his family the country he was so proud of and was happy to see the VW camping tradition handed down to the next generations. One 30-day, multi-generational camping trip to all of the National and State Parks possible will be a life-enduring memory. After his Naval career, the Millers returned to Statesville and Gary worked for Blackwelder Furniture and then Epperson Lumber, during which time he went through the Executive Program at Babcock School of Management at WFU and received his MBA in 1983. Gary enjoyed helping people in the areas of time management and goal setting and gave his time graciously to many community organizations; YMCA, SCAN, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Exchange Club, Iredell Memorial Hospital Board, Jr. Achievement at SHS, Power Cross and Young Life. His true joy and fulfillment came in his relationships with Jesus Christ and fellow brothers and sisters, and in the study of God's word. He taught Sunday school, led small groups and was in leadership, first at Broad Street UMC and later at Western Avenue Baptist Church, and was so grateful for the eternal relationships built in Christ. The family would like to thank Hospice and all the compassionate care-givers that helped us keep Gary at home. We love you dearly. In lieu of flowers, Gary would be honored by your support of Young Life, PO Box 70065, Prescott, AZ 86304-7065, Power Cross, 303 Mitchell Ave., Statesville, NC 28677, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd. Statesville, NC 28625 or to Western Avenue Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 1206 Museum Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 A celebration of life will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Western Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Jeff Spry, Hospice Chaplain Sharon Snow, Rev. Dr. James D. Cartin and Rev. Ed King officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Iredell County Burial Detail. Following military honors the family will visit with friends in the church fellowship hall. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Gary Miller.