James Tom Miller

James T. "Tom" Miller III, of Rock Hill, SC, formerly of Covington, GA, passed away on February 26, 2026, at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill. His loving sisters were by his side. To his family and friends, he was known affectionately as Tom and Uncle Tommy.

Tom is survived by his sisters, Carolyn M. Kidwell of Charlotte, NC, and Sandra M. Sindell and her husband, John, of Rock Hill, SC; and by his sister in law, Belinda S. Miller of Decatur, GA. He is also survived by his nieces, Stacy S. Cottington (David) of Rock Hill, Brooke M. Hollis (Rick) of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Cheryl Andrews and Billie Mozley of Lawrenceville, GA, Dianne Chase of Duluth, GA, and Natalie Harris (Jimmy) of Jefferson, NC; and by his nephews, Gregory Kidwell (Ginger) of Charleston, SC, Jeffrey Kidwell (Susanna) of Atlanta, GA, David Kidwell (Lindsey) of Stroudsburg, PA, Nathan Miller of Decatur, GA, and John Sindell Jr. (Sarah) of Mammoth Lakes, CA. He leaves behind several great nieces and great nephews who loved him dearly.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Alma Miller; his wife, Kathryn C. Miller; his son, James S. Miller; his brothers, H. Lewis Miller, Lawton F. Miller, and Andra Miller; and his nephews, Richard Miller and Van Ross.

A proud graduate of Dodge County High School, Class of 1963, Tom excelled in pole vaulting and track. He attended Andrew College and Auburn University before joining the U.S. Army during his senior year at Auburn. He served in Vietnam from 1968–1969 in the Phu Yen region and retired from the military in 1987 as a Master Sergeant. Throughout his service, he earned recognition for achieving the highest marksmanship score in his platoon and for consistently exceeding his recruiting goals.

Shortly after retiring, Tom suffered a stroke due to exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service. With determination and resilience, he worked hard to recover and went on to enjoy life fully.

Before moving to Rock Hill, Tom was a devoted member of the Church of God in Conyers, GA. He cherished time with his family, fishing and loved working on puzzles.

A private military service will be held at a later date at the family cemetery at Piney Mount Cemetery in Wrightsville, GA.

Memorial donations in Tom's honor may be made to: Piney Mount Cemetery Fund c/o Dale Veal 588 Union Grove Church Rd. Wrightsville, GA 31906 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.

Bratton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Miller family during this time of loss.