John Eldon Miller

John Eldon Miller, 85, of Melbourne, passed away June 18, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Melbourne, Arkansas, March 2, 1929, to Green H. Miller and Annie Gray Miller, he was a resident of Izard County for 84 of his 85 years. He married Ruby Lenora Robertson on Nov. 5, 1949. She survives him along with their three children: David E. Miller and wife, Janett, of Melbourne, Martha Miller of Little Rock, and Naomi Roper of Melbourne. Other survivors include one sister Margaret Wamack of Paragould, sister in law, Beulah Miller of Melbourne, and eight grandchildren and spouses: Alecia Bray and Eric, Matt Rush and Amber, John David Miller and Tiffney, Merinda Jackson and Chris, Hannah McWilliams and Clayton, all of Melbourne, and Maggie Garrett and Mike of Cabot, Brian Harriman of Fayetteville, and John Harriman and McCall of Little Rock. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Those who predeceased him are his parents, stepfather, Walter Smith, brothers Lowell, Robert, Tom, JC, Charles, GH Jr., and sisters Zada and Naomi. He received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Arkansas State University in 1949 and had plans to become a doctor, but his year long bout with rheumatic fever during his teen years disqualified him from attending medical school. After a brief period of working in the family retail business, he served four year as Izard County Clerk. He then went to work for Reynolds Metal Co. in Saline County, after which he returned home and opened an insurance agency, title abstract business, real estate brokerage, and began raising chickens. In 1958, he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives and began his 40 years of service in 1959, holding many positions including Chair of Joint Budget Committee, Chair of House Revenue and Tax, and Speaker of the House. He also served on numerous boards including, OBU, Williams Baptist, Easter Seals, WRPDD. His greatest joy was helping others. He was active in church service as Sunday School teacher, song leader, Deacon, lay minister, and was a lifelong member of Melbourne First Baptist Church. Visitation will be Friday, June 20 from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the John E. Miller Auditorium at Ozarka College in Melbourne. Funeral service will be Saturday, June 21 at 10 a.m. at the Melbourne First Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Miracle Village International through First Baptist Church of Melbourne, P.O. Box 335, Melbourne, Ark. 72556.