Tributes

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick Dean Miller, 53 of Oxford, Alabama. He was a devoted husband, father, soon to be grandfather, beloved son, cherished brother, and dear friend, who left this world after a very short five-week battle with stage four pancreatic cancer on December 24, 2024. Patrick’s unexpected passing has left a deep void in the lives of all who knew him, and his memory will be treasured by those who loved him. Patrick Miller was the president of Miller Funeral Home, Crematory, and Aquamation Center, Miller Florist, Miller Monument Company and Dogwood Trail Memorial Gardens. After graduating high school, he achieved an associates of applied science in mortuary sciences from Jefferson State Community College. While Patrick was studying, he began to open and close graves and install burial vaults for his dad at Miller Funeral Home. In 1992, Patrick started Miller Monument Company and in 1999 Patrick and a partner started Oxford Grave and Vault, where they serviced over 16 funeral homes around Calhoun, Talladega, Etowah and St. Clair counties with their burial vault and grave opening needs. In 2005 Patrick purchased Long Memorials on North Noble St. and in 2015 he sold his shares of Oxford Grave and Vault to his partner. He then purchased the funeral home and florist from his dad and brother in December 2017. Patrick has served on the board of directors for Oxford EMS and also Alabama Law Enforcement Association Foundation (ALEAF). Since 2017, Patrick remodeled the funeral home, acquired new vans for the funeral home and flower shop, restored the crematory to top working condition and brought the very first Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation) unit to Alabama. Patrick enjoyed serving his community, traveling, and spending time with his family and fur babies. Throughout his years he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike for his professionalism, work ethic, and dedication. Patrick’s career was defined not only by his accomplishments but by his commitment to integrity, excellence, and service. Patrick was a friend to all, a man who valued relationships and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Family was the center of Patrick’s life. He was a guiding presence to his wife of almost 30 years, his children, and all of his family and friends, always offering support, wisdom, and love. Patrick’s commitment to his family was unwavering, and his legacy will live on through the countless memories he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Bisceglia “Shelley” Miller; children, Ashlyn Miller Rone (Dalton) and Wesley Miller (Cloie Ledbetter); soon to be granddaughter, Havyn Lynn Rone; mother, Dianne Miller; siblings, Dudley Miller (Valerie) and Alesia Miller; mother-in-law, Debra “Debbie” Roszell; father-in-law, John Blue (Deidre); brother-in-laws, Chris Bates (Ashley) and Michael Evans (Lisa); fur babies, Louis, Dyce, and Teddy; nieces, Autumn Miller and Deidre Martin (Ashly Smith); nephews, Trey Miller, Dalten Martin, and Dakota Martin; great nieces, Gracie Crowe, Blakely Miller, and Oaklynn Martin; great nephew, Arlo Smith; work family, Amber Danelutt (Justin), Levi Gamble (Lauren), Jacob Sanderson (Brittnee), Sawyer Downs (Kaleigh Glasgow), Terry Entrekin (Cindy), Mike Knight (Dawne), Tim Mayne, Jessie Gamble (Elizabeth), Garvis Swafford (Anne), Gary Edwards (Donna), Horace Carson (Barbara), Michael Wininger, Brett DeBoer, Erica Brown (Shane Holder), Donnie McVey, Darrell Mcvey (Celena), Rebecca Barkey (Justin), Jennifer Roblee (Cody), Katie Jewell, Becky Bunn (Kenny), Gina Clark (John), and Elaina Fernandez. He is preceded in death by his father, Hugh Dudley Miller Sr. “Toby”; grandfather, Frank Hill; grandmother, Marie “BoBo” Hill. Patrick met Shelley in June of 1995 and their instant connection and love for each other led them to get engaged a month later. They were married November 11, 1995, and have been inseparable ever since. They have worked together, raised their family, and traveled the world side by side. They were truly blessed with a one-of-a-kind love story. Thirty years just wasn’t long enough to look at your beautiful brown eyes. You will always be the joy of my life. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Miller Funeral Home in The Toby Miller Chapel starting at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends the same day in the Patrick Miller Parlor from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Patrick will be laid to rest in his beloved cemetery, Dogwood Trail Memorial Gardens. Brother Jerry Starling will be officiating the services. Patrick Dean Miller’s passing leaves a profound emptiness, but his legacy of love, integrity, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him. His memory will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the enduring relationships he built over his lifetime. Your presence will be a void we could never fill, you will live in our hearts forever. We love you, Chief. The family is accepting flowers or donations can be made to The Toby Miller Fund in his honor. Pallbearers will be Wesley Miller, Dalton Rone, Jeff Waldrep, Ricky Howell, Dudley Miller, Scott Simpson, Chris Goodwin, and Keith Britt. Honorary pallbearers will be work family.

Tributes

Mr. Patrick Dean Miller

October 25, 1971 - December 24, 2024