It is with sadness, and with the hope found in Jesus Christ, that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Joseph W. Miller Sr., on July 24, 2026, at the age of 86.

Dad was born on January 28, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jessie M. Shannon and George J. Perisee, both of whom preceded him in death. In 1946, he and his mother moved to Tacoma, Washington, the city he proudly called home for most of his life.

From 1960 to 1964, Dad honorably served in the United States Air Force. His service took him to Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York, where he spent more than twenty years before eventually returning to Washington state.

Following his military service, Dad built a successful career in the insurance industry, beginning in sales during the late 1970s and later serving as a claims negotiator with the Law Office of Manza & Moceri in Tacoma during the mid-1990s. Working at Manza & Moceri was his favorite professional experience because he was treated like family. Dad took a sabbatical from the insurance field to serve as an administrator for the Tacoma School District Truancy Program, where he found deep purpose working with at-risk youth and their families during some of life's most difficult seasons. It was work he genuinely loved because it gave him the opportunity to encourage, guide, and advocate for young people. After retiring from the Tacoma School District, he returned part-time to his work as a claims negotiator at Manza & Moceri, where he remained until the firm closed upon the retirement of its principals.

While Dad's professional accomplishments were meaningful, they tell only part of his story. His greatest passion was investing in people, and nowhere was that more evident than on the football field, the basketball court, the baseball diamond, and in the lives of the young people he coached.

To most people, he was simply known as "Coach Miller."

Over several decades, Dad coached youth and school athletics in New York and Washington, spending much of that time in the Tacoma area. While he was blessed to be part of many successful teams, he measured success differently. Wins and championships were appreciated, but they were never his greatest accomplishment. His greatest victories were the lifelong relationships he built with the young people he coached and the men he coached with. Long after the final buzzer sounded, former players continued to seek his advice, friendship, and encouragement. Many went on to become fathers, mothers, professionals, coaches, and leaders who never forgot the man who believed in them before they fully believed in themselves.

One of Coach Miller's favorite sayings was, "On the hop!" It was his way of encouraging others to keep moving forward, persevere through adversity, and never give up. Those words became a reflection of the way he lived his own life.

Dad was a longtime member of True Vine Church of God in Christ in Tacoma, where his faith in Jesus Christ continued to deepen throughout his life. His faith shaped the way he served his community and extended grace to those around him. While we grieve his absence, we do so with the confidence that he is now at home with the Lord.

Dad's life was rich with relationships, and he was blessed to be the father of seven children. He is lovingly remembered by Evette VanGuilder, Todd Miller, Tara Miller, Tredeen Miller, Tiffany Martinez Miller, Kenneth Morehead (Cheryl), and Joseph W. Miller Jr. (Becky).

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Tre'vor Wiggins, Monique VanGuilder, Mikira Gaddy, Timetrius Miller, Tah'Lel Zivai, Tarron Dixon, Tre'ves Miller, Kayle Nigel, Chris, Shanae Murdaugh, Darious King, Arnell Frazier, Ebone Frazier, Tiara Frazier, and Kenny Morehead Jr. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Shamar Murdaugh. Dad also leaves behind many treasured great-grandchildren, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Like all families, ours experienced seasons of joy, challenge, growth, and reconciliation. Through it all, our dad's life reminds us that relationships matter, that grace has the power to heal, and that every new day offers another opportunity to love one another better than before. We are grateful for the unique relationships he shared with each member of our family.

As his children, we reflect on what our dad leaves behind. His legacy is not found in awards or accomplishments, but in the people whose lives he influenced. He taught others the value of integrity, perseverance, humility, kindness, and faith. He believed in people, encouraged them to become their best, and reminded them that character mattered most.

We will forever miss his presence, wisdom, laughter, encouragement, and his remarkable ability to make people believe they could accomplish more than they imagined. He did this because he genuinely wanted the lives of others to be better.

Dad, thank you for loving people the best way you could, for teaching us to persevere through life's challenges, and for showing us how to keep our faith in every season. We will carry your lessons with us, honor the legacy you leave behind, and continue to stay "On the hop."

Until we meet again.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
— 2 Timothy 4:7

The Miller family sincerely thanks everyone for the prayers, love, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for every person whose life was touched by our dad and for all who have walked alongside our family during this season of loss.