Gary Kenneth Miller

Gary Kenneth Miller, 66, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 16th, 2021. He was born in Amory, MS on April 20, 1954 to Kenneth and Deleeta Miller. After graduating from Hatley High School in 1972, Gary attended Itawamba Junior College and Mississippi State University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He later received a Master’s degree at Mississippi College. In high school, Gary participated in basketball, football, and baseball. He also enjoyed playing softball and golfing.

“Coach Miller” excelled as a basketball coach with a career that spanned 34 years. Gary coached at Baldwyn, Hatley, Madison Central, and Clinton High Schools. Many of his teams achieved play-off level success. In 1990, his Clinton Lady Arrows won the 5A state championship. Gary also coached one year at MSU as a recruiting coordinator for the Lady Bulldogs basketball team. After retiring from the public school system, Gary coached at Hillcrest Christian School, St. Aloysius Private School, and Central Hinds Academy. Gary had a passion for coaching basketball, and he taught hard work, commitment, and perseverance to his players. Not only did he teach these skills on the court, but more importantly, he desired that each player would achieve success in life. And he helped them in any way he could.

Gary was a loving husband, father, family member, and friend. He was a man of deep faith and was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Clinton, MS where he served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. To his family and all who knew him, he was kind, caring, hard-working, and loyal. Gary had a heart for helping others, and he loved big. To his wife, Tammy, and his children, Jessica and Christian, he was an earthly example of our heavenly Father.

He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Miller; mother, Deleeta Miller; and his infant son, Kenneth Preston Miller. Gary is survived by his wife, Tammy Prather Miller; children, Jessica Houston and Christian Miller (Taylor); grandchildren, Miller Houston and Ben Miller; siblings, Michael Miller (Shelia) and Patti Miller. He is also survived by numerous extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Memorial in Jackson, MS, on Friday, March 19, 2021 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held at Meadowood Baptist Church in Amory, MS on Saturday, March 20, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon followed by a celebration of life beginning at noon. Dr. Lloyd Sweatt will be officiating the service. E.E. Pickle Funeral Home is in charge of funeral services in Amory.

The family would like to thank all friends and family for the many expressions of love and sympathy. Our gratitude goes to Dr. Lloyd Sweatt, Rita Sweatt, and Cindy Harmon for leading the Celebration of Life. We greatly appreciate the support shown by our church families from First Baptist Church, Clinton, MS and Meadowood Baptist Church, Amory, MS. Many thanks go to Lakewood Funeral Home (Jackson) and E.E. Pickle Funeral Home (Amory) for the guidance, care, and compassion shown to us at this time.

The family would also like to thank Beau Ridge Memory Care, Ridgeland, MS and Compassus Hospice, Jackson, MS for the love and care provided during this journey.