Dr. Alfred Peter Muller (Al), 81, beloved husband of Dorothy H. Muller of Greenville, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.
A celebration of his life will be held at on Saturday, October 18 at 3:00pm, at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, North Carolina.
The son of Peter Joseph Muller and Gertrude Stumpe Muller, Al was born in New York but grew up outside of Miami, Florida, in the 1950s. There, he learned to explore and fish in the undeveloped hidden waterways and swamps. His lifelong love of nature and storytelling was born during this time.
During summers in high school, he visited his Aunt Adeline's farm in Moultrie, Georgia, where he developed a deep affection for small-town heroes and the real-life Southern characters who would shape his view of the world. After graduation from Southwest Miami High School, he attended Mercer University in Georgia. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and discovered his passion for education. He continued his studies at Florida State University where he completed a master's degree in English and PhD in English Education and met the love of his life.
Al began his teaching career in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, before he and Dorothy were both hired by East Carolina University. Though they moved to Greenville knowing no one, they quickly made it their home, becoming lifelong residents and each devoting over 30 years to the university. Al served as head of the English Education program and was honored upon retirement with the distinction of Professor Emeritus. He was also inducted into the East Carolina University Educators Hall of Fame.
Beyond the classroom, Al was deeply committed to his community. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and softball and was an active member of Kiwanis and the Hot Stove League. He also served on boards including the Pitt County Council on Aging Board of Directors and Sheppard Memorial Library Board of Trustees. He received the Outstanding Individual Contributor of the Year Award from the Pitt-Greenville Hot Stove League in 2002. He was active in the National Council of Teachers of English and served as national president and committee member of ALAN (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents).
Al had an unrelenting love of books, language, and learning. He was always surrounded by literature. A consummate educator and devoted family man, he inspired those around him to explore, question, and learn. Known for his quick wit, honesty, and warmth, he made friends wherever he went and left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Above all, his greatest joy and achievement was being a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. In addition to his wife of 54 years, Al is survived by his son Peter Hiott Muller (Leigh) of Durham, daughter Michelle Muller Shooter (Patrick) of Rowland, and four grandchildren - Maggie and Claire Muller and Jackson and Adelynn Shooter. Also surviving are his brother Walter Paul Muller (Debbie) and their children Jennifer, Nathanael, and Benjamin; special cousin Robert Stumpe; and in-laws Sara Craig Hiott; Katherine Haines (Robert), Cindy Belknap, Jo Ann Hiott, Craig Hiott (B.J.), Will Hiott (Sue), and their families.
Those wishing to honor Al's memory are encouraged to consider donations to:
· The Service League of Greenville Hospice House
· Greenville Parks and Recreation (Attention: River Park North)
· Sheppard Memorial Library
· Pitt County Council on Aging
The family would like to thank the staff of the Hospice House and the many friends who showed true care and compassion during Al's illness.
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