John Horton Miller

Former Mayor, John Horton Miller, 91 of Sparta, NC passed away peacefully on the early morning of March 25, 2024 at Alleghany Memorial Hospital. Town mayor of Sparta for 35 years, John devoted his entire life to serving the community.

John was born on October 1, 1932 in Laurel Springs, NC to the late Reece and Nettie Proffit Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers; William, Gordon, Kent, David and Edwin Miller; one sister, Mary-Ruth Miller Payne and special relative; Brady Proffit.

John spent the early years of his life assisting his family at Elk View Dairy farm, considered one of the leading dairies in the state, during his management in the 1980s. Growing up in a house full of siblings, John quickly was instilled values of the importance of family and hard work. He valued education and attended Appalachian State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon his college graduation, John served as a Cryptographer in the United States Army in Fort Gordon, GA. After two honorable years of service, John decided to continue his education at Appalachian where he earned a Master of Arts degree. For 30 years, John served the Alleghany County School system as a teacher and beloved Principal, at Sparta and Piney Creek Elementary Schools.

Miller strongly influenced many local organizations and institutions. Aside from being a part of the school system, John served as a Board of Trustees Member and Chairman of Alleghany Memorial Hospital for 37 years, Region D Council of Governments for 20 years and Co-Chairman of the Alleghany Sesquicentennial celebration in 2009. Due to John's exemplary years of dedicated service, he received several honorary awards including Outstanding Executive Board Member, Outstanding Elected Official, and the NC Intergovernmental Relations Award. In 2008, John was given the Long Leaf Pine award by former North Carolina governor, Mike Easley. As John finished his career as Mayor of 2017, the Sparta Town Hall was named in his honor on August 10th. Honorable Judge Richard Doughton stated, "No one deserves the honor being bestowed on John H. Miller more than he does." While John did not like the attention on himself, he was truly humbled by this honor and was a leading advocate for all things Alleghany.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Angelia Myers Miller of Sparta. Two sons: John Sidney (Sid) Miller and wife Holly of Sparta, William Gregory (Greg) Miller of Houston, TX; Two grandchildren: Micah and wife Graycie Miller of Winston-Salem, NC and Madolyn Miller of Charlottesville, VA. Four step-grandchildren; Lauren Horn and husband Mike of Sumter, SC; Jonathan Hinrichs and wife Shelbi of Palm Harbor, FL; Laney and Hollybrook Cline of Radford, VA. One sister; Theresa Miller DeVane and husband Lindsay of Mount Pleasant, SC. Two great-grandchildren; Harper Grace and John Reece Miller of Winston-Salem, NC. Two step great-grandchildren; Harper Horn of Sumter, SC and Finley Hinrichs of Palm Harbor, FL; Special relatives; Rock and Rick Proffit, Rita Wagoner, Jay Woodruff and Brett Liverman. John is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The Miller family would like to extend a special "thank you" to the Wednesday night Book Club at the Pines Restaurant, wonderful caregivers of the Landings of Chestnut Grove, Alleghany Memorial Hospital, Becky Howell, Rick & Jill Tepker and Jim & Debbie Smith.

John's legacy as a dedicated advocate for education can be memorialized through donations made to the Education Foundation in lieu of flowers. You may send your contributions to Alleghany Educational Foundation, Inc. PO Box 33, 114 S. Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. http://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3YKYHMP4K37D2

A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00am on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with brother, Hugh Miller officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall of Laurel Springs Baptist Church. No formal visitation will be held prior to the service. Condolences can be sent to the Miller family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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