Max Miller Jr.

1949 - 2016

Max Robert Miller, Jr.

Oxford, MS

Captain Max Robert Miller, Jr., 67, died Friday, April 22, 2016, in Calhoun County, MS. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 28, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. at College Hill Presbyterian Church with Reverend Justin McGuire officiating. The visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, April 27, 2016, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Waller Funeral Home.

Max was born in Bakersfield, CA in 1949. From the very beginning Max set himself apart as a servant hearted leader. He graduated from North Bakersfield High School in 1967 and chose to pursue a career of service by attending the California Maritime Academy. After college, Max served as a fire fighter in the Kern County Fire Department as well as a subsequent career in the United States Coast Guard. Every day, Max looked for ways to serve others, many times to his own detriment. His sacrificial heart was most admired by his bride, the former Janis Marie Shanahan, who joined Max in his life of service in 1971. Their travels as a military couple took them from coast to coast, from Texas to Alaska, all the while making lasting relationships along the way. Throughout his career, Max developed a reputation built upon love of family, dedication to others and a desire to leave a positive mark on every person with whom he came in contact. With every new location, Max would faithfully seek out a church home in which to raise his boys and instill Christ-like service in them as well. He and Janis finally settled in Oxford, where Max continued his career of service by working for his beloved Ole Miss, serving students every day as well as dutifully carrying out the office of Deacon at College Hill Presbyterian Church. The Lord called him home as a faithful servant whose last moments were spent serving the ones he loved.

Max is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Janis Miller; sons, Patrick Miller and his wife, Rachel of Minden, LA and Ryan Miller and his wife, Erin of Oxford, MS; sister, Patricia Armstrong of Vancouver, WA; brother, Greg Miller of Hammond, OR; five grandchildren; Lela Margaret, Treat, Shirley Cate, Gracie, and Max and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions in Max's memory may be made to the University of Mississippi Foundation for the purposes of establishing a future scholarship in honor and in light of his service. Donations may be made by visiting www.umfoundation.com/maxmiller or by mail at UM Foundation, re: Max Miller Scholarship, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655.

In honor of Captain Max's service to his country, the flag of the United State Coast Guard will be flown at Waller Funeral Home.

For additional information or to sign an online guestbook, visit our website at www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.