Edward Elam "Ebby" Miller Jr.

March 16, 2021

Edward Elam “Ebby” Miller, Jr., age 95, passed away at home Tuesday, March 16th, 2021. A sixth-generation resident of Rutherford County, he was preceded in death by his parents, Leila Mae and Edward Elam “Pluck” Miller, Sr.; mother of his children, Ruth Leathers Miller; and brothers Ira Bradford Miller and William Crawford Miller. Ebby is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Betty Halliburton Miller; his children Marimae (George) White, Connie (Mark) Wilson, and Edward Elam “Eddie” (Renee’) Miller, III. Grandchildren Mary Elam (Mark) Polk, Miller Wilson, Holly Wilson, Emily (Collin) Smith, Elisabeth (John) Vaughn, Jane (Dennis) Hearnsberger, and Edward “Elam” Miller, IV. Great-grandchildren Jackson and Bradley Polk, Mary Bryant, Leila, and Georgia Vaughn, Duke and Miller Hearnsberger, and ElizaJane Smith. Stepchildren Ken (Lisa) Halliburton and Kay Halliburton. Step-grandchildren Chase Pendergast, Reid Halliburton, and Taylor Halliburton. He is also survived by his sister, Frances “Sis” Miller, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ebby was born on July 23rd, 1925 and grew up on his family’s farm on South Church Street where the current post office stands. Upon graduating from Central High School, he served in the Air Force before attending Middle Tennessee State College. His lifelong insurance career began in 1949 when he established his business, which would later become Miller Insurance Agency. Murfreesboro Kiwanis Club was always near to Ebby’s heart. In 2019, he was honored as “Kiwanian of the Year” for his seventy-one years of service. At the time of his death, he was the longest living member of Kiwanis International. Ebby was proud to serve as a Rutherford Hospital board member and a founding member of the Christy-Houston Foundation. Throughout his lifetime, he supported the American Red Cross by donating over one hundred pints of blood. Ebby continued his legacy of community service as Commissioner and Chairman of the Murfreesboro Housing Authority, member of Evergreen Cemetery Commission, and volunteer for Dispensary of Hope. Prior to his passing, he was the oldest living member of Stones River County Club. Gatherings with family and friends were a large part of life for Betty and Ebby. Boating at Center Hill Lake consumed many of their weekends and summers. They traveled extensively with a wonderful group of friends, making lifelong memories. Ebby enjoyed many years of fellowship at Rutherford County Sportsman’s Club. A man of faith, he began his membership at First Baptist Church on the Cradle Roll ninety-five years ago. Pallbearers are Bill Bell, Mark Polk, Miller Wilson, Chase Pendergast, Collin Smith, John Vaughn, Dennis Hearnsberger, Reid Halliburton, Elam Miller, Jackson Polk, and Bradley Polk. Ebby also wished to honor close friends Nancye and Larry McElroy for their kindness and support over the years. Other special pallbearers include Donna and Larry Dunn, Melissa and Sonny Elam, and Betty Hord. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Murfreesboro Kiwanis Club, Hooper’s Coffee Club, and the Zacchaeus Sunday School Class at First Baptist, especially Ronald Barrett. Ebby’s family is most grateful for the comfort and care provided by Patty Holloway. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 20th, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Alive Hospice, or Good Shepherd Children’s Home. Ebby lived a blessed life and carried his “Never Give Up” attitude with him all of his days. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation, 820 S. Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422 Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com