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Douglas Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
At the age of 12, I thought I wanted to be a drummer in the Whitten Jr High Band. The summer before the start of the 1980 school year, Mr Miller had my mom bring me to his home and she waited in the living room as he and I went into his kitchen. There he proceeded in a few drum rolls or taps on his counter top and instructed me to do exactly as he had done each time. 10 minutes later we walked back into the living room and he looked at my mom and said your son is playing the baritone. And so I did. Thank you for the honesty sir. Peace be with you!!!
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Darlene Fufitt uptagrafft posted a condolence
Friday, May 19, 2023
Q: What will you never forget about Wayne?
A: Wayne Miller was my band Director in the early 70s, my best memories are the summer of the six grade when we would go to band practice before the starting of the seventh grade year. Wayne Miller was also very good friends with my dad, Wayne Fugitt, they lifted weights together and went to the gym together. Wayne Miller was told to keep his eye on me by my dad, and Wayne has kept his eye on me all of this time, as he has always been so kind to check on me over the years, in 2009 he came to the hospital when my dad had a heart procedure, when my brother-in-law passed away, (Jack wilmoth ) he was there at the funeral.
He was a great band, Director, a great musician, a great friend to all that he knew. He had a big heart of kindness and love to share far and wide.
I will sure miss him !Rest in peace, Mr. Miller, till we see you on the other side in the new kingdom!
Darlene Fugitt Uptagrafft
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Mary Jean Bullock Christian posted a condolence
Friday, May 19, 2023
Mr. Miller had my brother Max Bullock in the band at Whitten Jr High. He was about the only teacher that I remember there that Max got along with. Mr. Miller had a great influence on Max in his time at Whitten. I never had Mr. Miller as a teacher but he knew me and my sister, Janet because of Max. Mr. Miller was always so kind and spoke everytime he saw me in the halls. I always enjoyed looking at the fond memories and posts he made on the Whitten Jr High fb page. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
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Greg Mitchell posted a condolence
Friday, May 19, 2023
Wayne was a very loyal and constant presence on the local music scene. He was kind enough to offer me my very first gig. It was at Alta Woods Baptist Church many years ago. That one gig led to many other church and choir gigs. I first met Wayne in the Capital City Concert Band around 1982 or 1983. He had enough trust and confidence in me to take a chance. From there I became involved in the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra. Things progressed from there as I met many other musicians who advanced my knowledge and experience. Too many to mention. But I can say it all started with Wayne Miller. He will be missed.
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Valencia Harris posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
I will forever honor and respect you for training and teaching me how to play the flute and contribute to my love for instrumental music! Rest well my friend; Former Whitten Student Valencia Harris
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Rebecca Estes Kitchings posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
We will always remember and miss him. He excelled at making those around him feel included and special. I was there for his first day teaching at Whitten when we were all young and full of life. He kept us students on our musical goals and taught us how to focus and we became better people for it. Still, he found the time to be playful and help make life fun for us all. I loved that he was a real "strongman" and that he could do the continuous breathing on his oboe so he never had to pause for breath. He made the effort to reconnect with his students over the years through Facebook and visits and created an unbroken circle for us all. HIs family is so lucky to have had him. His students and friends are so lucky too. We will remember and miss him. His light will never go out.
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Ron Sellers posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
I first met Wayne in 1970 at Whitten, where we worked together for eight years. Wayne was truly committed to his band pupils then and even up to the present. He had a great memory and could call names from 50 years ago at Whitten.
I have enjoyed hearing his oboe in many performances over the years since then. Martha and I will miss knowing he’s smile is gone for now but we will see it again.
God bless his sweet wife and boys.
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Gabe and Elizabeth Green posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Dear Becky, Mark, Andy and Family,
Our hearts mourn with you in the loss of Wayne. May God’s precious love comfort and give you peace at this difficult time in your life. As we consider the many lives that have been enriched and the new directions taken in lives because of the love and influence of Wayne, we feel confident his legacy will live on for many generations. His joy and love for music was delightfully contagious. We treasure the years he was a part of our lives.
Love and prayers,
Gabe and Elizabeth
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Alan Marcelius posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Q: What will you miss most about Wayne?
A: I'll miss the caring love he showed everyone since we went to high school together. He was extremely social and cared about the people he knew. A champion weightlifter and a great oboist! We both started out playing the clarinet at Andalusia High School. I never heard him say anything negative about another person. I'll miss him!
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Jolaine Martin Sims posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Our families were friends as we grew up in Andalusia. I remember Wayne accompaning mother as she played the piano. Prayers for the family ❤️
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Martha Porch Huggart posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
My first memory of Wayne was at Whitten Jr High. He had taken over Band from Eddie Williams. I was in Choir next door to the band. Becky was the organist for Alta Woods Presbyterian and Wayne became choir director there for a while. He was always incredibly kind to me and encouraged my doing solos at AWPC. The world has lost a great man but, oh, the music in heaven must have become even more glorious! I love both Becky and Wayne and will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
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Tommy Lankford posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Wayne and I were in school together from 7th grade to graduation. I always counted him as a friend and a good boy. He had the biggest smile and kindest heart and was always willing to help. I was honored to hear him and his lovely wife give a concert at the Andalusia Historical Society several years ago. Wayne was a professional and virtuoso on the oboe while his wife was just as great on the piano. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but know the good Lord will care for him and put him in first chair. My deepest condolences to his wife and children. Wayne was a great man.
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Randy Cole lit a candle
Thursday, May 18, 2023
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Mr. Miller was an admired man in my life and I always considered him to be my “Music Hero”! He was the most talented musician and made a major impact in my life. All the Spring concerts and Stage Band concerts that we performed weekly at all the local elementary schools were the highlights of my younger years. I will never forget his friendship even after I left Whitten Jr. High in 1975.
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Mike Taylor posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
We were so very blessed to have had Wayne play with us in the Christ Methodist Church Orchestra. Wayne was a dear friend and will be truly missed. He is playing his oboe in the Lords Heavenly Orchestra.
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Mike Hampton posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
I knew Wayne for many years . He was an awesome teacher , and just a great guy to know . We had many conversations about band , playing in groups , and just life in general .
I will always value his friendship and advice .
He will be missed by the music community !!
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Julie Humphreys posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Wayne and I sat next to each other in the Christ United Methodist Church orchestra for many years - he on oboe and me on flute. He always complimented me when I played (I think he was just being kind) and always asked about my children whom he substitute taught in the Madison public schools. He loved the fact that both of my kids are musicians and wanted to know how they were using their talents. Wayne was so very talented himself and will certainly be missed.
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Frank Thomas posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Wayne was a warm personal friend. He came to Alta Woods Baptist Church when I was pastor there and helped Ronnie Russell and Bob Jones establish a church orchestra. We enjoyed that orchestra in worship for many years. Becky his wife was our organist after coming over from another church. I enjoyed Wayne's participation in the community symphonic band, which he was instrumental with David Miller in starting. He was a consummate community musician and will be missed. How we need more like him. Frank H. Thomas, Jr.
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Nancy Smith purchased flowers
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
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My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time, and forever after .Love, Nancy
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Alexander Johnston Davis posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Wayne was my first trumpet teacher for 6th and 7th grade at Rosa Scott Middle School. He was an incredible teacher and inspired me to be my best self. Even after graduation he stayed in contact with me and always wanted to know what was going on in my life and how I was doing. He gave me a life long gift and inspiration to continue on with playing trumpet, and taught me that it will give you joy for all your days. Thank you Wayne from all your students!
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Nancy Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
I will never forget the years that Wayne, Becky and I made such wonderful music together . They are friends I will carry in my heart forever. We had a Trio and played in churches and nursing homes.. They even came down to my home town of Port Gibson and helped me play a Christmas Concert in my Church. My prayers will be with you , Becky, during this time.
Nancy Smith
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Shon Scott / Scott Roofing purchased flowers
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
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Shon Scott / Scott Roofing
purchased the Beautiful in Blue and planted a memorial tree for the family of Wayne Miller.
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I am so sorry for your loss Andy I pray for you and your family during this hard time. To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord.
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Shon Scott / Scott Roofing planted a tree in memory of Wayne Miller
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
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I am so sorry for your loss Andy I pray for you and your family during this hard time. To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Jan Pruitt posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss, but happy for Wayne being in a better place. He was one of the friendliest and most personable people I’ve known. I was in the Mississippi Community Symphonic Band with him for 6 years and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him. May God comfort you all.
Jan Pruitt
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Robert E. Hays posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Becky, I am sooo sorry and shocked to read about Wayne's death! Please accept my deepest condolences. I have to preach in south MS Sunday so well might not make it to the visitation, but rest assured I will be thinking about you.
Robert
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Brenda Holifield Ausborn posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
What an amazing teacher and friend. You will be truly missed, Mr. Miller.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Wayne Miller
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Natchez Trace Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Erik Chance posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Mr. Miller was my band director at Whitten from 1985-1987. He was an exceptional teacher and a great person! I actually recently shared stories of him with my son because he's started playing a musical instrument. Mr. Miller had a great impact on my life! He will definitely be missed.
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Donna Lutrick Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Mr Miller was a great inspiration to me as a young student in Band at Whitten Jr High. He was a great oboe player and I enjoyed hearing him play at First Baptist Church of Florence during special choir performances.
My condolences to his family during this time.
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The family of Wayne Miller uploaded a photo
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
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Cile Alexander posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Becky and family, I will always have the fondest memories of you and Wayne (and sons) at Alta Woods Presbyterian. You made choir so much fun and were such a dear, dear friend. Wayne's talent was great, and how fortunate for him to have shared it with us. You will be in my prayers, as I know this is a very difficult time. Love you...Cile (Taylor) Alexander
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Lawrence Gwozdz posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Wayne was always a delightful colleague in the Hattiesburg City Band, who always had a good word to share. I always enjoyed sitting behind the oboes because he was there. God bless him.
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Nancy Griffing posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Thank you for your dedication to your students. There are few people who made such a difference in so many lives. You were without a doubt one in a million. Mr. Miller, you will always have a place in our hearts. We started out at Whitten with Daniel and ended our band relationship at Germantown with my grandson Dalton. You and Becky were there for me at Frank's memorial service. You were more than just a friend, you were family. You will be missed, but you will also leave smiles in the tears because we can proudly say, I knew him.
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Jessica Boteler posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Mr. Miller was my middle school band teacher. He always remembered my name. He was a great teacher and musician. He will be missed.
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Michael Morrow posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
I was a member of Mr. Miller's classes in the late 70s and his joy of music is still being felt by me 40 years later. He really had a profound impact on my life.
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Casey Kirk posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
I first met Wayne when I was student teaching at Madison Central and Pearl High Schools. He was so supportive for me as a young teacher, and very encouraging. Later on I’d play with him in the Mississippi Wind Symphony and other gigs. We will miss him, but his faith was strong and he lived a Christ-like live. We will see you again.
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Joseph Orr posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
One of the most influential teachers I ever had. He taught me about order, rhythm, syncopation, everything an Architect needs to know. Mr. Miller had a tremendous following of former students which speaks to his legacy.
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Garry Meador posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Wayne arrived at USM as a freshman my junior year. He was always such a pleasant man to be around. Even though we were not close over the years it was always a thrill and blessing to see him playing the oboe with MS Baptist orchestra and other places. Wayne didn’t know how to frown. Always a smile Garry Meador 1965 grad USM.
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Genia Dorman posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
So saddened to learn that Wayne had passed away. The Chestnuts and Millers lived in our neighborhood in Andalusia . We loved them all. Wayne was always nice and very talented. His mother Lucy , was always pulling pranks by Disguising herself and ringing our doorbell. Sometimes it scared us girls but she was always smiling. Being an only child , Wayne never acted like a spoiled child. He was very sweet to my sister Rebecca Johnson. They were closer in age. . My sincere condolences.
Genia Johnson Dorman.
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Tracey Barnes posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
I met Mr. Miller many years ago when my brother played drums in the Whitten Jr High School band in the early 70’s. David thought the world of Wayne and spoke of him often through the years. When he passed in 2013, Wayne came to his funeral and we reconnected on Facebook where
he shared many memories and pictures of Whitten, the bands he directed through the years along with many other good memories. Always encouraging and a smile. My sincere condolences to his family. I know he will be missed by many. May God bless you all with peace now and in the days to come.
