John William Miller

John William Miller, 73, of Awendaw SC, passed away on August 9th at home with his family after a brave battle with esophageal cancer.

John was born on July 5, 1950 to Marcella and William Miller in Chicago, Illinois. After John graduated from Fenwick High School in 1968, he went on to study Political Science at University of Saint Thomas, where he rowed crew for the Tommies and was known to throw an epic party as a brother of Tau Kappa Epsilon. While at Saint Thomas he met wife Reyne of 49 years.

After graduating he and Reyne moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to start his first job in sales, kickstarting a 48 year career selling industrial cleaning supplies.

In 1984, a job opportunity brought the Miller family to the Charleston area where they discovered Mount Pleasant and built their home in Hobcaw Point. In Hobcaw John deepened a love of boating and served as the Hobcaw Yacht Club Commodore. Many memories were made with family and friends on Capers Island and Beresford Creek in that Grady White, including some hair raising adventures!

John was the quintessential 'girl dad' and the biggest supporter and champion of his Miller girls, Erika and Marcelle. He happily enjoyed many fashion shows, dance recitals and sorority parties over the years, but was overjoyed to welcome sons in law Nico Sprotti and Conor Lalor into the fold for some new blood to boss around! Papa J will be greatly missed by his grandchildren John Miller Sprotti, Louise Helen Sprotti, Talia Reyne Lalor and Camilla Jean Lalor. He shared with them his love of travel, lake fishing and jello.

John was a larger than life presence who could captivate a party with his storytelling and leave not a dry eye during his toasts. He and Reyne were known for hosting their famous oyster roasts and pyrotechnic displays (with associated small fires) and whose tailgates were the highlight of the season for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcella and William Miller; sister, Patricia McNally; sister, Mary Beth Mullen; parents-in-law, Richard and Court Puhl; sister-in-law, Mary Jayne Wells; sister-in-law, Valerie Sparks. He is survived by his wife, Reyne, daughters Erika Sprotti (Nico) and Marcelle Lalor (Conor), grandchildren Miller, Louise, Talia and Camilla, his older brother Jim Miller (Joyce); brother-in-law, Art Sparks; brother-in-law Corky Puhl (Barb), a multitude of nieces and nephews, countless friends and colleagues, and loyal rescue dog Daisy.

John's family wishes to thank family and friends for the love and support shown during his courageous battle with cancer, especially the nurses and staff of Roper Hospice who provided him with unparalleled, compassionate care during his final days.

A memorial service will be held August 15th at 4:00 pm at the Circular Congregational Church in Charleston SC, followed by a reception at the Hobcaw Yacht Club, 180 Hobcaw Drive in Mt Pleasant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to East Cooper Meals on Wheels where John and Reyne volunteered driving "Route J" for the past 3 years:

East Cooper Meals on Wheels

PO Box 583

Mt Pleasant, SC 29465

https://ecmow.org