Dr John Edward Miracle

Celebration of Life: Honoring the Memory of John Edward Miracle
John Edward Miracle passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a man of great strength, wisdom, and deep faith, whose legacy of love and integrity will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him. He was a rare man of all seasons-unusual for these times. His varied talents and interests were unique and impressive.
A Life of Love and Devotion
John was the beloved husband of Geraldine (Gerri) Green Miracle, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, and mutual respect-a bond that stood as a testament to enduring commitment and deep companionship, and an extraordinary example for their entire family.
He was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, Jennifer Miracle Niemeyer (Jon) and Amy Miracle Sleet (Hank). John's pride in his daughters was evident in every story he told and every moment he shared with them. He was a steady presence, a listening ear, and a guiding hand.
His joy expanded with the arrival of his grandchildren-Alexandra Lauren Niemeyer, Benjamin Edward Niemeyer, Abigail Miracle Sleet, Jack Alton Sleet and Luke Weaver Sleet. John delighted in their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and cherished the memories they created together. He gave legendary pep talks to his kids and grandkids, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in school and in life.
A Man of Character and Community
John was known for his integrity, humility, and the emotional and physical strength with which he lived his life. He valued hard work, kindness, and treating everyone with respect. He led by example and left a lasting impression on friends, neighbors, and all who crossed his path. Whether teaching his family to paint, install a ceiling fan, fish, read the Bible, sharing his good advice, or helping a friend on their farm, John's presence was steady, strong, and always welcomed.
He was an accomplished dentist, well known and respected in the Northern Kentucky community. His business acumen and financial mind were equally well known and admired. He owned many properties in Northern Kentucky and loved managing real estate assets and investments. His financial expertise was recognized by his peers, and he was a founding shareholder, board member, and head of the Trust Department at the Bank of Kentucky, which was later sold to BB&T (now Truist) in 2015.
He was also deeply involved in Grace Community Church on Hilton Head Island and Lakeside Christian Church in Lakeside, teaching Bible studies at both churches and serving as an elder at Lakeside. After retiring in 1999, he dedicated himself to building a vast personal library of Christian books to enrich his own life and equip himself to be a voice for Jesus in teaching and leading. He even built the bookshelves to hold his collection. He took up guitar and golf later in life and became remarkably good at both.
A Life Well-Lived
John was born in Pineville, Kentucky, on July 26, 1942, to the late Alton and Jennie Miracle. He had three siblings: Hazel, Chester, and Marie, with whom he shared a close bond. He was the first in his family to attend college, excelling at the University of Kentucky for his undergraduate studies and later at the University of Louisville Dental School. He played the trombone in UK's Marching 100. After graduation, he proudly served as a dentist and a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He and Gerri also relocated their parents from Eastern Kentucky to Northern Kentucky in 1974 (Alton and Jennie) and 1980 (Ova and Gladys), which were momentous life events for the entire family.
John's talents and interests were a throwback to another time. An outdoorsman, he was equally at home shooting on his property, riding his tractors, fishing in his pond, tending his garden, or herding cattle across the great West on cattle drives. He could build virtually anything and owned every tool imaginable-usually two or three of each. His handcrafted wooden bookcases, children's toys, and household accessories will remain treasured heirlooms for generations. His garage was the epitome of organization, with every tool, screw, and nail labeled and in its place. His workshop was better stocked than Ace Hardware.
He took great joy in life's simple pleasures: time with loved ones, tailgating and attending UK basketball and football games, playing with and supporting his grandchildren in their sports and interests, and enjoying the peace of his property and homes.
He and Gerri loved spending time on Hilton Head Island, where they owned several condos and homes over the years, culminating in their dream home overlooking Broad Creek. John's Bible studies and deep dives into scripture often took place on the back porch, gazing over the Broad Creek marsh. Whatever interest he had, he pursued with dedication and a desire for excellence.
His sense of humor and beloved sayings will never be forgotten. "If you got it, you got it, and if you don't, you don't" was one of his favorite phrases-often said with a grin, right up to his last days. He loved to sing, dance, act silly with family, and make friends with total strangers, often breaking the ice with his signature phrase, "yoy yoy yoy," that brought a smile to everyone's face. He was comfortable in his own skin and wore his heart for God, family, and friends on his sleeve with no apologies.
Forever in Our Hearts
John's legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched with his kindness, his wisdom, and his unwavering love. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was: a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a man of deep character and faith in God.
The family invites donations to Lakeside Christian Church, 195 Buttermilk Pike, Lakeside Park, Kentucky 41017, and Grace Community Church, 450 Spanish Wells Rd, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lakeside, with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Christian burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery will follow the service.
Stith Funeral Home, 7500 US 42, Florence, KY 41042 is serving the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stithfuneralhome.com