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Gerald Miller Obituary
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Gerald "Jerry" Edward Miller
1948–2025
Gerald "Jerry" Edward Miller, age 78, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2025, at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital.
Jerry was born on January 20, 1947, at home in Loyall, Kentucky (Harlan County). He was the son of James Miller, a World War II Navy veteran and Golden Gloves boxer, and Irene Marie (Lawson) Miller, who worked in secrecy at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, helping to build the first atomic bomb that ended the war.
He earned a Bachelor's in business from Berea College in Kentucky, where he met his wife Loretta on a blind date arranged by her sister Sharon. They were married for 56 years.
Jerry began his career in banking before pursuing his entrepreneurial dream. In 1980, he bought Miller's Beach Supply in Laguna Beach, Florida, and for over 25 years, it became a beloved staple of the community. He proudly ran the store until selling it in 2007. Jerry was also a Deacon of his church, Cornerstone Baptist, where he faithfully served the Lord. Jerry's hobbies were fishing, hunting, cooking, and eating! Known for his warm personality, work ethic, and kindness, Jerry left an impression on everyone he met.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marie, and his brother, Jimmy Miller.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Miller; his son, Greg (Brandy) Miller, along with their children, CJ, Madie, and Gregs Son, Preston (Carley) Miller- Jerry's Beloved Grandson. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Reef Miller, who belongs to Preston and Carley, along with their daughter, Elena.
He is also survived by his aunts Nina Lawson and Susan Brown, and his nephew James A. (Laurie) Miller, along with a niece, Bridgett Miller. Lastly, Jerry is also survived by his church family and many relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 213 Carolyn Avenue, Panama City Beach, FL 32407. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM Central Time, with the service to follow at 11:30 AM. Services will be led by Dr. Roger Richards and Pastor David Williams.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the nurses and Chaplain Dennis at Bay Hospital for their compassion and care during Jerry's last moments.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jerry's memory.
Cornerstone Baptist Church Building Fund. Send checks to 213 Carolyn Ave, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
St. Jude’s Donation link https://www.stjude.org/content/dam/en_US/alsac/donate/pdfs/Printable%20Donation%20Form%20English.pdf
1948–2025
Gerald "Jerry" Edward Miller, age 78, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2025, at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital.
Jerry was born on January 20, 1947, at home in Loyall, Kentucky (Harlan County). He was the son of James Miller, a World War II Navy veteran and Golden Gloves boxer, and Irene Marie (Lawson) Miller, who worked in secrecy at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, helping to build the first atomic bomb that ended the war.
He earned a Bachelor's in business from Berea College in Kentucky, where he met his wife Loretta on a blind date arranged by her sister Sharon. They were married for 56 years.
Jerry began his career in banking before pursuing his entrepreneurial dream. In 1980, he bought Miller's Beach Supply in Laguna Beach, Florida, and for over 25 years, it became a beloved staple of the community. He proudly ran the store until selling it in 2007. Jerry was also a Deacon of his church, Cornerstone Baptist, where he faithfully served the Lord. Jerry's hobbies were fishing, hunting, cooking, and eating! Known for his warm personality, work ethic, and kindness, Jerry left an impression on everyone he met.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marie, and his brother, Jimmy Miller.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Miller; his son, Greg (Brandy) Miller, along with their children, CJ, Madie, and Gregs Son, Preston (Carley) Miller- Jerry's Beloved Grandson. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Reef Miller, who belongs to Preston and Carley, along with their daughter, Elena.
He is also survived by his aunts Nina Lawson and Susan Brown, and his nephew James A. (Laurie) Miller, along with a niece, Bridgett Miller. Lastly, Jerry is also survived by his church family and many relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 213 Carolyn Avenue, Panama City Beach, FL 32407. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM Central Time, with the service to follow at 11:30 AM. Services will be led by Dr. Roger Richards and Pastor David Williams.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the nurses and Chaplain Dennis at Bay Hospital for their compassion and care during Jerry's last moments.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jerry's memory.
Cornerstone Baptist Church Building Fund. Send checks to 213 Carolyn Ave, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
St. Jude’s Donation link https://www.stjude.org/content/dam/en_US/alsac/donate/pdfs/Printable%20Donation%20Form%20English.pdf
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