Mr. James McAfee (Mac) Miller, 75, from the Springdale Community, Attala County, MS, passed away on July 18th, 2023 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Mac was born in Kosciusko, MS on October 1, 1947 to William H. and Inez M. Miller. As a young boy, he moved with his family to California where he graduated from high school, and afterwards served as Captain in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Journalism. He worked as a Carpenter and taught in the Long Beach Unified School District in Long Beach, CA. One of the most rewarding parts of his career was teaching young students how to build a house. He wanted every student who was going into the workforce after high school to be able to work in that vocation or have those skills.
Mac was an active member of the Lions Club in California, and held several positions within the club. He loved the water, and on many mornings before work, he could be found swimming and surfing in the Pacific Ocean. He loved nature, and especially enjoyed the Natchez Trace when he was at home in Mississippi. He kept up with his military friends from OCS (Officer Candidate School), and attended regular reunions. He was a beloved and selfless son, father, “Papa” to his grandchildren, and friend to many. He had the ability to choose the perfect gifts for his family, and enjoyed giving to them. He was a member of the Springdale Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother, Inez M. Taylor, daughters Kacey A. Miller of Prescott, AZ, and Colleen M. Schrant of Tucson AZ, as well as his son in law, Michael W. Schrant, and two cherished granddaughters Mackenzie J. Schrant (10) and Madison D. Schrant (7).
He was preceded in death by his father, William H. Miller, and brothers William Holland Miller, and Thomas Allen Miller.
