LTC Chaplain Jack A. Miller

46, USAF

November 9 marks the passing of LTC Chaplain Jack A. Miller, 46, USAF. We honor and remember LTC Chaplain Jack A. Miller, 46, USAF, his mother Sandra "Sue" (Smith) Miller and his wife Tina Miller. He was born October 25, 1973, in Richwood WV. LTC Miller passed away on November 9, 2019.

He was the son of Sandra "Sue" (Smith) Miller of Ansted and the late Jackie Lee Miller; he was spiritually reborn in July of 1981 and accepted God's call to the ministry in 1996.

Pastor Jack graduated from Gauley Bridge High School in 1992, WV Tech in 1996 with a B.A. in History and Government, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000 with a Master of Divinity and from the Masters Graduate School of Theology with a Doctorate of Practical Ministry Theology in 2004. In 2014, he became the full-time chaplain for the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston.

He had a colorful and eventful life with many occupations, all of which were truly learning experiences. He was formerly a newspaper columnist, a 4-H Camp Counselor, a police officer with the Louisville Division of Police (chaplain department) and the West Beuchel Police Departments in Kentucky. He also served as chaplain for County General Trauma Hospital in Louisville and claimed to be the best fudge maker in the history of the world.

In March of 2001, God called him to Pastor the West Ripley Baptist Church at the age of 27. Spurred by the events of September 11, 2001, Pastor Jack was called to the Chaplain ministry of the West Virginia Air National Guard in 2005 and was commissioned as an officer. He would later achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was deployed to Saudi Arabia, Germany and Qatar with the United States Air Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2012, LTC Miller was diagnosed with adrenal cancer, a condition where abnormal cells form in or travel to the adrenal glands and was told by medical specialists that he didn’t have long to live. After many treatments and surgeries doctors said he would never run far distances again, however Chaplain (Maj.) Jack Miller, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain, completed a Veterans Day 5K run at AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar Nov. 11, 2018.

He was a member of the VFW Post #3448, Sandyville, the American Legion Post #107, Ripley, Ripley Lodge #16, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Tyrian Chapter #13, Royal Arch Masons and the Kanawha Commandery #4, Knights Templar. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and was the current Pastor of First Baptist Church of Tyler Mountain.

In addition to his mother, other survivors include his one true love and friend in life, his wife, Tina Michelle (Hylton) Miller; children, whom he loved with all his heart, Samuel A. Miller and Olivia G. Miller; brothers, Cary L Miller (Barbara) and John C. Miller (Kim); sister, Jeretta Y. Ford (Rick); and a host of other extended family members and friends.

Pastor Jack was an organ donor so even in death he gave life. At his burial he had requested that after Taps was played, they play Reveille.

Let us always honor and remember him, his family and… 

Say His Name

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