Leon "Gene" Miller

Leon “Gene” Miller, born on October 16, 1932 in New Bern, North Carolina went home to the arms of his Lord and Savior on July 26, 2025. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, brother and uncle. But most importantly, a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior. He loved to travel, especially on mission trips to Eswatini, South Africa. He loved cooking and enjoyed many mission trips throughout the states and was usually in charge of cooking the meals for all those serving and those being served.

He really loved family gatherings with all of his family, especially in the mountains or on cruises, which he did not hesitate to book those cruises. He enjoyed hearing the laughter of his grands and great grands. He was very proud of each of them and could be heard bragging on them often.

He served his country in the US Air Force and was stationed in Korea during the Korean War. He retired after 30 years with Carolina Telephone and Telegraph at which time he continued his call from bivocational to full time ministry as a Southern Baptist Minister. Even in his later years, he wanted to continue to work and joined the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Department by working as security at the Lenoir County Courthouse.

He loved sports, especially loved and supported the ECU Pirates as well as the baseball team and games played at Grainger Stadium. He always bought season tickets to both the Pirates and whatever baseball team was at Grainger Stadium.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Miller Stallings, son-in-law, Craig Murphy and grandson-in-law, Anthony Herring.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Edna Gray Kennedy Miller; daughters, Dawn Murphy, Wendy Boone (Al); grandchildren, Melissa Herring, Dustin Boone, Katie Stallings, Corey Boone, Jared Boone (Melissa), Jordan Stallings, Courtney Murphy; great-grandchildren, Landon Whaley, Carley Boone, Mackenzie Herring, Madison Herring, Lynlee Boone, Emalyn Boone, Baby Boy Boone (due in October).

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Garner Funeral Home with Pastor Perry Hardison and Pastor Greg Kincaid officiating. A visitation will follow the service.  A private family burial will be held at East Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Also, visitation will be held at the home of the family at other times.