Manuel Thurston Miller was born on March 17, 1928, in Besoco, West Virginia, a coal town near Beckley, West Virginia in Raleigh County. He was the third born son of Gussie and Nannie Miller.

Manuel attended East Beckley Elementary School and Stratton High School in Beckley. After graduating from high school and working in Beckley he moved to Detroit and lived the “young man’s” life until his draft number was called and he was inducted into the Army in 1951. Upon his honorable discharge in 1953 he returned to West Virginia and enrolled at his beloved West Virginia State College, now known as West Virginia State University, where he met his life partner and wife, Fredericka (Sherrill). They were married in 1956 at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.

Manuel’s life exemplified commitment to family. He was a family man first. Manuel was so excited about their first child, Marquis, born in 1959, that he convinced his wife to have another, Steven, eleven months later, followed by his third son, Gussie four years later. His commitment to family and his mindfulness to history and tradition took him back to the military, after his wife’s graduation from West Virginia State College. He moved his family to Lebanon, Ohio where he got a job working at the Kings Mills Ordnance Facility. He lived in Lebanon and made great friendships with families like the Singletons, who he enjoyed tremendously.

Manuel’s life exemplified diligence. He was truly a hard-working West Virginia man. Manuel started working at the age of 17 as a clothes presser at Richmond Cleaners. After his enlisted service and his family move to Ohio, he took an assignment as an inventory specialist in Columbus at the Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC) formerly known as “The Depot,” now known as DSCC. Manuel worked at The Depot until his retirement in 1993.

After retirement, he delivered flowers for Virgil Alwood Florist, delivered Meals on Wheels and prepared tax returns as an H&R Block consultant. He helped family and friends get a little bit back from Uncle Sam, which gave him great satisfaction.

Manuel’s life exemplified achievement. He was a very informed and knowledgeable conversationalist who contributed valuable information to any discussion. He was a lifelong learner, an avid reader and a huge follower of world affairs, especially, of all things China. Manuel returned to college through distance learning courses offered at the Depot and earned his degree from West Virginia State.
His graduation stands as one of the marks of achievement for his career.

Manuel and Fredericka, “his Girl,” traveled extensively across the country with various social clubs including Cups and Saucers and the Pinochle Bugs. One of his lifelong dreams was to visit China. While Manuel never got to China, he lived the experience through his granddaughter Jazmin’s journey there. He doted on his grandchildren, particularly first-born Janae and great-grand daughter Ava, and traveled to see Jordon, Jazmin, Nathaniel and Alexandria whenever he could. Manuel also welcomed Delon with warmth and delight.

On October 3, 2019, Manuel answered God’s call after a valiant effort to overcome cancer and numerous medical complications. His family and friends are saddened by the loss of their beloved Manuel. He is survived by his three sons Marquis (Pamela) Miller, Steven Miller, and Gussie Miller, his brother, Nathaniel (Annie) Miller, his grandchildren Janae, Delon, Jordan, Jazmin, Nathaniel and Alexandria, his great-granddaughter Ava, many nephews and nieces and a circle of extended family and friends he held very dear. Proceeded in death by his wife for 62 years, Fredericka Miller; mother, Nannie; father, Gussie; brothers, James, Louis; and sister Juanita.

Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Asbury North United Methodist Church, 1586 Clifton Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society and The Scholarship Fund C/O West Virginia State University Foundation.

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