Mr. Howard Dorn Miller

Howard Dorn (Howdy) Miller, 83, of Columbia, died on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Born on May 17, 1940 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Raymond Howard and Elizabeth Dorn Miller. Howdy grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and starred in basketball at Clairton High School earning a scholarship to the College of William and Mary where he met his wife. While in college, he served as President of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Following graduation, he spent two years serving in the military as a lieutenant in the First Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX under the command of General George Patton, Jr.
Following his time in service, Howdy owned Miller Hardware in Pleasant Hills, PA for 16 years. He coached community baseball and basketball and was much revered by the young boys on his teams. In 1986, after selling his business, he moved his family to Columbia, SC and began a second career as a self-employed independent sales representative in the Lawn and Garden industry.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Carol Miller Blivas, all of Sarasota Florida. He will be forever cherished by all of his family: his wife of 61 years, Joellen Maxwell Miller; his son, Richard Dorn Miller of New Glarus, WI; his daughter and son-in-law, Karen Miller and Charles Edward Akins; and his daughter Rebecca Miller Hodge, all of Columbia, SC; grandsons, Preston Taylor and Henry Simms Hodge and granddaughter, Abigayle Whitely Hodge, all of Columbia, SC; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Lynda Maxwell of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by nieces, Melyssa (Todd) Stock, Laura (Shane) Heald, Katy (Matt) Ufferman and their children: Maggie, Molly and Caroline Stock, Charlie and Jack Heald, and Evie and Max Ufferman.
Howdy lived a full and joyous life. Above all, he loved his family and his country. He was enthralled with being a grandfather, took great pride in the accomplishments of all of his children and grandchildren, made friends wherever he went and somehow managed to be a gentle "man's man". He will be greatly missed.
As he wished, there will be no visitation. He will be interred at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC with a private service at a later date. Arrangements are being made by Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel.
If desired, the family suggests contributions in Howdy's memory to Tunnels To Towers (tnt.com) or to the charity of one's choice.