James Kermit Miller

Kermit Miller, 80, of Jonesboro, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2015. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Eastwood Baptist Church in Gatesville. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Monday at the funeral home. Kermit was born on August 11, 1935 to the late J.W. and Geraldine Nichols Miller. He attended school at Flat, The Grove, and graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1953. He hitch hiked his way to Lubbock, TX to attend Texas Technological College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science in 1958. While attending Texas Tech, he enlisted in the Texas National Guard. He later received his certification in teaching from Mary Hardin Baylor. He began his teaching career at Gatesville State School for Boys. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was called into active duty and served for 10 months in Fort Polk, LA. He returned to teaching at the State School for 14 years. He married Tanya Leach on September 17, 1960 in Cold Springs, TX at the home of Brother Ollie Williams. Together they started a successful farming & ranching operation. They raised hogs, cattle, sheep, goats, geeps and children. Due to the need of animal health products in the area, Kermit and Tanya started KT Miller Supply. This led to him being known as the “Medicine Man”. Kermit was a member and an active Deacon at Eastwood Baptist Church. His faith in the Lord was his foundation and overflowed to all areas in his life. He set an exceptional example for his children, grandchildren, and all who crossed his path. Kermit was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Christy Miller; parents; his brother, Joe William Miller and Vicente Alvarado. Kermit is survived by his wife of 55 years, Tanya Miller; son, Jamie Miller and wife, Gwen; daughter, Kay Smart and husband, Keith; brother, Harvey Miller and wife, Karen; sister, Barbara Clark and husband, Dick; sister, Wanda Thomas and husband, Lloyd; sisters in law, Geraldine Miller and Maggie Alvarado; grandchildren, David Alvarado and wife, Bridgette, Tyler Staas and wife, Megan, Nicholas Miller, Morgan Smart, Marley Smart, Marcus Miller; great grandchildren, Thiele Alvarado, Camden, Kynlee and Corbin Staas and a host of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastwood Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, Jonesboro or Turnersville VFD, or the Turnersville Cemetery Assoc. “I’ll catch you on the turnaround!”