Alan Dawson Miller

I had the distinct privilege to take part in the homecoming service for brother Alan. It was an incredible service where Pastor Bud Pate gave the opening comments about Alan’s battle with cancer and how his wife Debbie was loyally beside her husband throughout. In the many times that I visited with them, there was never a time that Debbie was not there by his side ministering and loving on her husband. What an incredible example of living out our marriage vows that we give to our Lord and one another. Her strength, resolve, and love played out before me will leave an indelible mark in my heart in what it means to love “in sickness and in health.”

Pastor Jaime Ferguson then gave his remarks and talked about his privilege some 5 years previously to lead both Alan and Debbie to the Lord. He also had the honor of baptizing the both of them as they desired to be obedient to the commands of Christ in their lives. He continued to talk about how faithful they were to the ministry of Mt Zion Baptist church and that they we’re eager and hungry to learn more about God’s Word. They also decided that it was important to renew their marriage vows as Christians and Pastor Jamie commented on the growth and desire they had to honor the Lord with their lives. Pastor Jamie gave a clear gospel presentation and an invitation to all those without Christ to either receive the free gift of salvation or to say good bye to Alan as they would not be able to see him again. However, the hope we have in Christ is to know that we don’t have to say good bye and that we that are in Christ, will see Alan again on the other side of eternity.

The services ended at the Washington County Memory Gardens where I had the honor to conduct the committal service. What had an incredible impact on me was not only was there hundreds of people at the services, where even the overflow room was filled to capacity, but there were almost as many who came to the committal service. Although all the preaching was good, they say that your life is what preaches and has the greatest impact. By all those that were present, it is evident that Alan’s life preached the best message of the day.

We will miss Alan greatly at Mt Zion Baptist.

Death is just a natural thing
Like the closing of a door
As we start upon a journey
To a new and distant shore
So let your grief be softened
And yield not to despair
You have only placed
Your loved one in
The loving Father’s care.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Obituary

Mr. Alan Dawson Miller, age 55, Jonesborough, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at Johnson City Medical Center. Mr. Miller was of Washington County and son of Dawson Miller and Dean Morris Miller. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He truly enjoyed going to church and loved his church family. Mr. Miller was a truck driver for FedEx Freight and received a 16 year safe driving award. He loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed his Mustangs, going to car shows and cruising. Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Deborah Poteat Miller, of the home; two sons, Alan Michael Miller and wife, Kimberly, and Bradley James Miller and wife Jessica; one granddaughter, Amber Lynn Miller; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis Miller and wife, Danette, and Todd Miller and wife, Cassandra; aunt, Wyona Miller; mother-in-law, Virginia Poteat; sisters-in-law, Barbara Thompson and husband, Richard, Vicky Lloyd and husband, Jerry, and Mary Lou Sluss and husband, Tim; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.