Charles Miller, Jr.

Charles Miller Jr., of Tazewell, TN, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 17th.

Born in Blanch, Kentucky, to Rev. Charles Miller and Ellen (Grubbs) Miller, Charles was a man whose life was defined by unwavering faith, unconditional kindness, and a servant's heart. To know Charles was to know generosity. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or put the needs of others before his own. His quiet strength, humble spirit, and steadfast love left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Charles graduated from Bell County High School with the Class of 1962. That same year, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Doris Sanders, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span decades. Shortly after their wedding, they made their home in Gurnee, Illinois, where together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

He began his career at Ball Brothers in Mundelein, Illinois, before joining OMC Johnson Motors in Waukegan, Illinois were he was a supervisor. Through years of dedication and dependable service, he earned the respect of his coworkers before retiring in 1997.

While Charles worked hard to provide for his family, the greatest priority in his life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a founding and longtime member of Spirit of Life Church in Zion, Illinois, where he served as a Board Member and Treasurer for over 30 years, and also faithfully worshiped with the Church of the Living God in Tazewell, Tennessee, and the Church of God in Ewing, Virginia. He loved the Lord, loved His people, and found great joy in serving his church family whenever he could.

More than anything, Charles loved his family. He was a devoted husband, son, proud father, brother, Papaw, Great Papaw, and a faithful example of what it means to love others with patience, generosity, and grace. His legacy is not only found in the life he lived, but in the countless lives he touched through his compassion, humility, and unwavering love.

To know Charles was to know love. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, cared for, and at home. Whether he was singing one of his favorite hymns, preparing a meal for family and friends, watching a ball game, spending time in God's Word, or sitting quietly on his front porch watching the sun set over the mountains, he found joy in life's simple blessings. His presence brought comfort, his laughter brought warmth, and his steady kindness left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his father Rev. Charles Miller, mother Ellen Miller, and son Gregory Miller I.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Doris Miller; his children Scott (Melissa) Miller, Tammy (Paul) Sharrett, Gregory II (Ashlee) Miller, Brandon Miller; grandchildren Ashley (John) Schoen, Adam (Mandy) Sharrett, Justin (Brittany) Provance, Alexis (Anthony) Wallraff, Fallon Quilter, Charles (Maddy) Sharrett, Chase Miller, Nathan Sharrett; great grandchildren, Skyler Quilter, Violet Quilter, Conner Schoen, Leah Miller, Summer Miller, Sloan Schoen, Rayne Quilter, Jace Miller, Lucas Wallraff, Regina Wallraff, Henley Sharrett, Jemma Provance, Kylee Miller, Wyatt Miller, Evie Provance, Odin Miller, Patricia Miller, and Sophie Miller; sister Pastor Phyllis Miller; niece Christine Brown, as well as a host of family and friends who loved him dearly.

Although our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Charles has heard the words he lived his life longing to hear: "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." His legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and love will continue to live on through his family, his church, and the many lives he touched.

The family of Charles Miller, Jr. will receive friends on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to Harrogate Cemetery, Harrogate, TN, where graveside services will be held. 

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com. 

All arrangements for Charles Miller, Jr. are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.