Mr. Junior Clarence Miller, 76, of Grassy Creek, N.C., died July 22, 2011, at Watauga Medical Center after five courageous years fighting many health challenges. He was a hard-working man who was proud of the good life he built for his family. He had a grin that lit up his face, and he loved to talk with just about anyone. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Mr. Miller was born September 20, 1934, in Grayson County, Va., to Kate McGrady Miller and Gleason Thomas "Doc" Miller. He worked many years as a dairy farmer and was recognized with the Soil and Water Conservation "Farm Family of the Year" award in 1980 for his efforts in sod-planting corn. He was devoted to his family and the Republican Party and was an avid fan of NASCAR and Carolina basketball. He was married for 56 years to Nell Ward Miller, who tirelessly cared for him throughout his long illness. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Patricia June Miller Verner, and her husband, Scott, of Concord, N.C.; three grandsons, Andy, Ben and Matthew Verner; and three sisters, Eloise Pierce of Grassy Creek, Peggy Eldreth of West Jefferson, N.C., and Kay Baker of West Jefferson. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2011, at Boone Family Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Huffman and Rev. Martha Kincaid officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to Hospitality House of Charlotte, 1400 Scott Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203-5844, which provided a home away from home for Nell during Junior's treatment at Carolinas Medical Center. or Grassy Creek Baptist Church, 420 Grassy Creek Road, Grassy Creek, NC 28631.Grassy Creek NC 28631Grassy Creek NC 28631Gras