Joseph Russell "Joey" Miller

Joseph Russell “Joey” Miller, age 39, beloved husband, father, son, and friend, of Gulfport, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Joey was born on November 8, 1985, in Woodbridge, VA, to Bank and Janet Miller. He grew up alongside his four siblings and graduated from Exeter High School in New Hampshire. Joey pursued higher education with dedication, earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice, dual bachelor’s degrees in justice administration and social work, and was actively pursuing a master’s degree in teaching at William Carey University.

He began his career as a police officer with the San Antonio Police Department before proudly serving his country as an Infantry Airborne Soldier in the United States Army. Joey completed a tour in Afghanistan and was later stationed with and Airborne Infantry Unit in Alaska. For his service, he was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, along with many additional commendations and certificates recognizing his courage and dedication.

After his military service, Joey made his home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he met his wife of nine years, Chelsea. Together they raised three children, Ainsleigh, Oliver, and Henry, who were the greatest joy of his life. Joey continued his lifelong devotion to serving others as a firefighter, EMT, CASA volunteer, STARZ volunteer, and as a dedicated employee of the Specialized Treatment Facility. Beyond his many accomplishments, Joey was a man who found happiness in life’s simple joys. He loved skateboarding, fishing, shooting, gardening, and creating art, and he carried a deep passion for music and movies. Most of all, he treasured every moment spent with his children and family. His adventurous spirit, unwavering devotion, and warm heart will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Joey was preceded in death by his grandmother, Rachel Bailey.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Chelsea Miller and their children, Ainsleigh, Oliver, and Henry. He also leaves his parents, Bank and Janet Miller; grandfather, Reynard Bailey; brother, Michael Miller; and sisters, Lisa M. Miller, Kelley Miller Qesati (Ilir), and Jennifer Wobrock (Ryan). Joey will be remembered with love by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport. Friends may visit one-hour prior to service. Interment will follow with U.S. Army honors at Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the family of Joseph Miller.

In honor of Joey’s life and service, the family invites memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, ensuring that his legacy of courage and sacrifice continues to lift others.

With deepest gratitude, the family acknowledges Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home for their tender care, and the United States Army and the Veteran’s Administration for the honors bestowed. May Joey’s service, love, and memory endure not only in the hearts of his family, but also in the lives touched through these acts of remembrance.