Thomas Paul Miller Sr.

1930 - 2013

Thomas Paul Miller, Sr.

Thomas Paul Miller, Sr. was born on May 29, 1930 in Chicago, IL. He died in Jackson, TN on Octobert 27, 2013.

His parents were Paul Nathan Miller and Christine Mack Miller. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Dolores (Dee) Schwartz in 1949. They were married for 64 years.

Tom attended Loyola Academy in Chicago, Loyola University and Northwestern University. He was an electrical engineer by profession, and a lifetime member of the prestigious IEEE Society. Tom is remembered for his great intellect.

Tom began his career with AT&T, where he received the prestigious Theodore N. Vail Medal for public service. After many years, he accepted a position with IT&T. In 1964, the plant in Chicago was moved to Milan, Tennessee. Tom and Dee, with 8 ½ children, moved to Jackson, TN.

During his career, Tom had top military security and worked communications in government areas considered to be top secret. He received recognition from the government for his service and loyalty to the United States. Tom also traveled extensively with assignments for consultations and lectures. After being requested to move to the headquarters in New York City, Tom, with his large family, decided to leave corporate business and began his own company. This enabled him to stay in Jackson. Terra Corporation was his business, and it thrived with his innovative ability and knowledge. His company concentrated on energy management, which at the time was in its infancy. He was forced to retire in 1992 due to medical problems.

After his retirement in 1992, Tom immersed himself in writing and genealogy. He lectured and volunteered helping others research their ancestry, as well as assisting adopted children seeking to find their biological parents. He donated much of his research to the local library. Thomas was a life long member of the Catholic church. He taught religious education classes, and was active with his boys in the Boy Scouts. He and Dee were active in the Christian Family movement.

He was a loving husband and a devoted father to all his children and grandchildren. His wisdom and insight will remain with us. He will be sorely missed!

Tom and Dee were blessed with 10 children. Their sons are Paul and Linda Miller of Lexington, Tennessee, Thomas and Anne Miller of Guntersville, Alabama, Mark and Keiko Miller of Tokyo, Japan and Matthew Miller of Pensacola, Florida. They had six daughters: Pamela and Keith Hall of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Christine and Steve Reid of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Julie and Frank Barnhart of Cary, North Carolina, Margo and Tom Henderson of Jackson, Dede and Moody Williams of Marietta, Georgia, and Penelope Miller of Raleigh, North Carolina.

They have 22 grandchildren: Paula Ray, Douglass Miller, Sanders Hall, Miller Hall, Nathan Hall, Theresa Hall, Elizabeth Reid, Margo Reid, Ben Miller, Thomas P. Miller III, Franklin Barnhart, Caleb Barnhart, Alex Miller, Max Chimoto Miller, Rand Martindale, Miles and Brooke Martindale, Austin Martindale, Miller Martindale, Alan and Collier Henderson, Mary Grace Williams and Sam Williams. They also have four great-grandchildren.

Services will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Saturday, November 2, 2013. The visitation will be at 10 a.m. and the services will begin at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Mary's Church.

Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, (731) 668-1111; www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com