Clifford Ray Miller

Clifford Ray Miller, 90, of Talladega, AL passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, December 15, 2025. A funeral ceremony will be held in his honor at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at First Methodist Church of Talladega with Todd Henderson officiating. His family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow directly after the ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Miller was born in Ball Play, Alabama, but lived most of his life in Talladega. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Talladega for more than sixty years where he served as the head usher. Early in his career, he worked as a manager for B.F. Goodrich in Talladega, Tuscaloosa, and Selma. In 1967, he became the executive director of the Alabama Industries for the Blind. He worked for AIDB until 1996 during which time he tripled AIB's work force, making it the largest employer of visually impaired people in the state and second in the entire country. Ray was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Industries of the Blind for his dedication and exemplary service. He was the embodiment of a selfless public servant which he demonstrated through his membership on various boards and organizations throughout Talladega. Mr. Miller joined the Talladega Municipal Airport Board in 1977 where he served as chairman from 2000 until 2024. He was also a member of the Talladega City School Board for 14 years during which time he served multiple terms as president. Ray was a former president of the United Way and the Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce where he was responsible to starting the beloved April in Talladega Pilgrimage. He was also on the board for Regions Bank in Talladega, Talladega Parks and Recreation, the Vocational Advisory Board, Talladega Water and Sewer, Top Trails Board of Directors, and countless others. Although he was extremely dedicated and successful in all of his causes, there were a couple that were especially close to his heart. Mr. Miller joined the Lions Club in 1962 and held every office available in the organization including the office of president. He was proudly inducted into the Lions Club Hall of Fame after more than 60 years of devotion to the club. Ray also loved volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Red Door Kitchen-continuing to express his desire to serve in these programs up until his death. Selfless and hardworking, his servant's heart was evident in all that he did. He was honest to a fault and never let you wonder about where you stood with him. Ray was a man who did so much for so many people and never said a cross word about anyone. His passion and dedication to the city of Talladega and his family will be greatly missed and not easily replaced. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Marianne Freeman Miller; son, Allen Freeman Miller; grandson, Seth Lee Miller; granddaughters, Marianna Brooke Miller and Savannah Caroline Gossett, and several siblings. Mr. Miller is survived by his daughter, Merri Jane Miller; son, Thad Jackson Miller Sr. (Lisa); grandchildren, Kenneth Andrew Keith (Allison), Christopher Adam Keith (Jessica), Miles Alan Keith (Brittany), Meredith Rae Smith (Scott), Martha Caitlin Miller, Selena Claire Miller, and Thad Jackson Miller Jr.; great-grandchildren, Raigan Alaine Yates, Ryleigh Anne Keith, Anslee Rae Keith, Brooks Thomas Burgess, Addison Marie Keith, Gavin Turner Grimes, William Garrett Grimes, Kinsley McCoy Holcombe, Seth Ray Keith, Trenton Paul Keith, Jeremiah Beau Keith, Daniel Braden Smith (Grace), Carson Lee Smith, Wyatt Allen, Baylor Rhys, Colby Ray Gossett, Chloe Anne Gossett, Joel, David Ray, and Jamie; great-great-grandchild, Baker Scott Smith, and a host of nieces and nephews. His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his caretakers, Crystal Jones, Susan Gunter, Patty Herring, and Sherry Tumlin. Billy Ray Elkins, Clarence Haynes, Jim Brock, Dan Kearly, and Mr. Miller's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The members of the Talladega Lions Club will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Talladega Lions Club at P.O. Box 229, Talladega, AL 35161, The Red Door Kitchen at www.reddoorkitchen.com/donate, or The Shepherd Center at www.shepherd.org/support-us/. Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.