Community Leader Ebby Miller Passed Away

(MURFREESBORO) A caring community leader passed away at his home Tuesday (3/16/2021) afternoon. 95-year old Edward Elam Miller, II, known as Ebby, died after a long battle with cancer. Jennings and Ayers is in charge of the arrangements. There will be graveside services at 3:00PM this Saturday (3/20/2021) afternoon at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Helping Others Through Insurance

He founded Miller Insurance in 1948, and that business continues under the name of Miller, Loughry & Beach.

Andrea Loughry explained how that came about, "In 1978, I left MTSU to join Clark Maples, a relator, in forming Maples & Loughry. Ebby was one of the first all male insurance owners in our community to invite me to join Insurors of Rutherford County along with the state professional organizations. There were few female agency owners in those days. A few years later when Ebby was ready to start selling the agency to his son, Eddie, they invited me to join them in creating Miller & Loughry Insurance Services. Our agency was a fun family. There was laughter and genuine team players. Ebby taught us to treat employees like family. He had a tradition of long term employees dedicated to our clients."

Andrea concluded, "I have many more fond memories. As a young married woman, I remember Ebby's mother and father being the older couple everyone wanted to grow up and be like. They were the last couple off the dance floor. Ebby carried on that 'energizer bunny' frame of mind."

(L-R photo ID) Eddie Miller, Ebby Miller, Andrea Loughry, and Ken Halliburton--who had recently graduated from Georgia and joined agency.

Memories of Ebby

Former State Representative John Hood commented, "Edward E. (Ebby) Miller, Jr. was a member of one of Murfreesboro’s finest families. He owned and operated E. E. Miller Insurance agency for many years. He had served in many community roles during his long and full life. In later years he and his brother, Billy, had been members of the Hooper Supply Regulars until death claimed both."

One person who asked not to be identified, said "Ebby was a quiet person who got things done. He was humble and didn't want any of the glory, but simply wanted to help others and make this community better."

Senior Judge Don Ash noted, "Ebby was not only a community leader but also a man who leaves a legacy of courage, hard work, and love of family. He lives on in the lives of his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He taught them and others well. The true worth of a man is do we leave our world a better place. Ebby achieved that goal."

Murfreesboro First

Ebby was a true Murfreesboro native. Do you know where the South Church Street post office is located? Prior to the USPO being there, an old home was on that property. Edward Elam Miller, II was born in that home about 95-years ago. He was a sixth generation Rutherford countian.

The Heart of Tennessee was in his blood. In fact, he was always involved in projects that helped this community. Plus, he loved its people and enjoyed being around them. In fact, Ebby still came into the office on a regular basis, had coffee with friends and kept up on the local happenings.

WGNS' Bart Walker remembered, "In the 80's, I found myself purposefully driving down North Church Street each morning just to see Ebby raising the flag that was in front of his insurance company. It was a comforting feeling to see someone displaying this love for America by flying Old Glory, and he would always give a big wave and smile--it let you know that all was well and peaceful in our corner of the world."

Involved In This Community

This past January, he celebrated 73-years with the Murfreesboro Kiwanis Club. Plus, Ebby was honored as the 2019 Kiwanian of the Year.

Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital President and CEO Gordon Ferguson noted, "Our community lost a beloved leader and statesman. Mr. Ebby Miller served on the Board of Directors of Rutherford Hospital for many years and went on to serve on the Christy-Houston Foundation board. It wasn't too long ago that Mr. Miller paid a visit to the hospital and I was so glad we could take good care of him in return for his many years of support and dedication to our health care ministry".

In addition, Miller was a leader with the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross, Dispensary of Hope, Evergreen Cemetery and the Murfreesboro Housing Authority.

He was also active and a longtime member of the Rutherford County Sportsman Club and Stones River Country Club.

Longtime church friend Jonelle Prince commented, Ebby always had a smile and friendly word whether I saw him at the basketball game or early on Sunday morning as he went to his Sunday School Dept. to get that early cup of coffee. He will be missed!!!"

Love of Family

One message you heard clearly whenever you talked with Ebby Miller--he loved his wife Betty, whom he married in 1978, and was extremely proud of his three children and how they turned out. His two daughters are Marimae White and Connie Wilson, along with his son Eddie Miller. Then you would hear about his real area of pride, the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ebby was a life-long member of Murfreesboro's First Baptist Church.

Again, Jennings and Ayers is in charge of the arrangements for Edward Elam Miller, II, (Ebby). There will be graveside services at 3:00PM this Saturday (3/20/2021) afternoon at the Evergreen Cemetery.

If you have a memory of Ebby Miller, please share it with others. E-mail it to news@wgnsradio.com.