Keith Miller's Obituary
Keith Greaton Miller of Spartanburg SC passed away gently on December 9, 2025 at his home, under the compassionate care of hospice (through the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System). Up until the end Keith enjoyed visits from family and friends. And he was watching the stock market like a hawk; still looking for a bargain to add to his portfolio!
Keith was born October 10, 1940, in Salinas CA to Barbara Behrman Anderson and Alfred Lloyd Anderson (Andy). Keith’s father died unexpectedly when Keith was five years old. His mother married George E. Miller several years later, and George adopted Keith and his younger sister, Nancy (deceased).
At an early age Keith developed a passion for railroading (especially steam engines). He had an impressive collection of railroad books and (yes) sixty years’ worth of Trains Magazine. He graduated from Fresno State College (CA) in 1963 where he earned a BA in Geography. He was very active with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and was a lifelong financial supporter of their work. Keith married his college sweetheart, Tommye Hargroves, after his college graduation and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Keith proudly served 13 years in the USAF, achieving the rank of Major.
He and Tommye shared sixty-two years together, including the births of their children: Shelley Elizabeth Duerksen (Kirk) of Spartanburg SC and Robert Sean Miller and his longtime companion, Erin Harrower of Gastonia NC. Sean’s three children were the joys of Keith’s life: James Robert Miller (Sarasota FL), and Zachary Thomas Miller and Sara Katharine Miller (Charlotte NC). Keith was also close to Erin’s children, Nicolas Upton (deceased), Lucas Upton, and Kara Harrower.
During their 35 years of living and working in Valdosta, Georgia, Keith was an elder at First Presbyterian Church and worked with the high school youth group; was active with the North Lowndes County Volunteer Fire Department and served as President of the Georgia Association of College Stores (vendor). He traveled 5 Southern states for Brame Paper Products (Durham NC) selling school supplies to college and university bookstores (always known as “the paper guy”).
After their retirement in 2005 they returned to Salinas CA to support Keith’s parents and Tommye’s mother (Fresno CA). After the deaths of their parents, Keith and Tommye returned to the South (Cornelius NC) to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Living in Cornelius for 13 years they often attended baseball games, dance recitals, and Boy Scout activities. Keith enjoyed the fellowship of the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Bethel Presbyterian Church and the LOGOS Sunday School Class.
A Celebration of Life Service for Keith will be held on December 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19920 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius NC 28031. Reverend Doctor Aaron Moore will lead the service and Reverend Vernon Dodd will deliver the eulogy. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. A reception will be held in The Family Life Center immediately following the burial.
Contributions may be made in Keith’s memory to: Bethel Presbyterian Church (Capitol Campaign Fund) 19920 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius NC 28031
James Funeral Home of Huntersville, NC is serving the family.
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