L.C. Miller

L.C. Miller died at his home surrounded by his family Monday, August 1, 2022.

He was born May 11, 1927 to Rilla and Willie Miller. He grew up in Albemarle, and joined the Navy, at the age of 17 in 1944. He was deployed on USS Alfred A. Cunningham, a destroyer that traveled throughout the Atlantic and Pacific engaging in combat with enemies such as the Kamikaze aircraft during WWII. He was awarded the Victory Medal for his service as well as the European and Pacific Medals. He treasured the letters he received from Harry S. Truman and James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, thanking him for serving our country. He received an honorable discharge in 1946.

L.C. returned to Albemarle to complete his high school education and graduated in 1948 at which time he joined the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army in Fort Bragg, NC. During his 18 years of service, L.C. defended our country in the Korean War. He had over 1,000 parachute jumps (mainly testing parachutes) including 190 into enemy territory. His Army career took him to Panama, Germany, Switzerland, Paris, Italy, the Mediterranean, China, Spain, Japan, Portugal, and Iceland. During his Army tenure, he participated in Project Teapot in the Nevada Desert in 1955. The Teapot Project tested 14 nuclear bomb drops. L.C. received the Good Conduct Medal and the elite German Parachute Wings as a result of secret missions to rescue American captives. L.C. retired in 1966 as a Master Sergeant.

Following his military retirement, L. C. attended the Roffler School of Hairstyling in Winston-Salem, NC. L.C. practiced as a barber at the Quenby Mall Barbershop for 16 years. He completed the last 6 years of his career at New Image.

In his retirement years, L.C. enjoyed riding his tractor, gardening, Panther's football, golfing, conducting chief grill master oversight for all family cookouts, sharing fellowship with his friends each morning over coffee at Burger King, and celebrating any occasion to gather with family. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church and was a devoted Christian.

L.C. was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Audrey Solomon Miller, son-in-law, Douglas H Clark, Jr., MD, his stepson John Michael Rummage, brother Luke Miller, sisters Noralee Truette, Ruby Lowder, Willie Mae Yow, Gladys Almond and June Casper.

L.C. is survived by his wife JoAnn Rummage Miller, daughter Frieda Miller Clark, stepson Todd Rummage (Leslie) and daughter-in law Melinda Gantt Rummage. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole Lowder Layden (Justin), Jacob Miller Lowder (Dana), Jack Rummage, Michael Rummage, and step-grandsons Gantt and Max Kinlaw, and his sister, Lyn Smith (Hal).

L.C. has 7 great-grandchildren, Lyles and Pierson Layden, Carson and Miller Lowder, Audrey, Winston, and Michaela Rummage as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation will be held at the Fellowship Building behind Salem United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 6 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. The body will lie in state from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Salem United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 20987 NC-73, Albemarle, NC 28001 with the funeral service beginning at 2:30 p.m, officiated by Rev David Talbert.

A full military graveside service will be held at Stanly Gardens of Memory at 4:00 p.m. 2001 E. Main St., Albemarle, NC 28001.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Stanly County, 960 N. 1st Street, Albemarle, NC  28001

Flowers may be sent to Hartsell Funeral Home, 522 N Second Street, Albemarle, NC by Friday, August 5, 2022.