John Clay Miller

John Clay Miller, 86, of Indian Trail, NC, went to his eternal home on Monday, May 25, 2026. John was born in Boone, NC, on January 1, 1940, to the late Ida Lucille Wilson Miller and the late Lloyd Vann Miller.

Upon moving to the Hemby Bridge area, John became active in the Hemby Bridge Volunteer Fire Department. Later, he was instrumental in founding the Indian Trail Athletic Association at Edna Love Park in Indian Trail, serving as Association President in 1975. He served as an Alderman for Hemby Bridge for several years as well. An avid deer hunter and fisherman, John enjoyed many hunting trips with good friends and with his son, Johnny. He and the love of his life, Susie, enjoyed church membership at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church and were very involved in their Sunday School class and the Good Timers Senior Adult Group. He was skilled in wood-working and completed many home renovations and other projects over the years. Through the years he worked for H.K. Porter, Dallas Machine Company, and Schachner Leather and Belting, now known as Vaughn Belting. He was a gifted salesman for Vaughn and loved his work until his retirement in 2020. He and Susie enjoyed many trips to their ‘beach place’ at Ocean Isle, NC, often with their children, grandchildren, and other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Wanda Sue “Susie” Bryan; and son-in-law, Mark Lee Chaney; as well as his brother, Arville Miller; and sister, Catherine Cole.

Left to treasure his memory are his two daughters, Cheryl “Cherie” Pearsall (Kevin) of Gastonia and Mitzi Ledford (Dennis) of Boone; and one son, John Clay “Johnny” Miller, II (Julie). He is also survived by grandchildren, Nicole Marshall, Jamie Harris (Leah), Amber Whitaker (Danny), Christian Chaney, Rebekah Metcalf (Jordan), John Clay “Clay” Miller, lll (Kortney), Jeremy Miller, Grace Miller; seventeen great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Atrium Hospice & Palliative Care Union for the outstanding care and support they have given to the family during dad’s journey.

Flowers are accepted or contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Building Fund or to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union.

Services for Mr. Miller will be held on Wednesday June 3rd, 2026 at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church located at 2817 Mt. Harmony Church Rd, Matthews, NC 28105. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM with services following at 2:00 PM. Reverend Daniel Royster will officiate.

Heritage Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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