Rev. Tedford E. Miller

Rev. Tedford E. Miller, "Ted," as we all knew him—entered this world on February 23, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, born to the late Lendoss Levi and Pearl Lee Kiddy Miller.

Ted served four years in the United States Air Force, where he found himself deployed to Vietnam for a short time. He was a young man with a steady heart who gave his all for his country. But it was on June 20, 1973, in Selmer, Tennessee, that his life truly found its anchor, marrying the love of his life, Janet Marie King, a life they would share for the next 51 years.

Together in July 1989, they welcomed the arrival of their son Derek Andrew Miller. Ted loved being a dad, and oh, how his face would light up when he became "Papaw" to his three grandchildren: Alexis, Kylie, and Noah.

His calling to serve the Lord came in 1989, pastoring his own congregation for a short time and preaching at various other churches.  A member of First Baptist Church in Selmer, Ted would share stories that made you laugh, but most importantly he would teach you about the Lord. If you knew him you either knew him as Ted or Preacher, unless you were Aunt Janet and he had done something, then he was Tedford Eason...lol!

He ran his own Landscaping and Tree service for several years; that was something he enjoyed. He taught Derek at a young age how to properly split and stack wood and, well, any of us that would listen.

Later, he tended the grounds at Pickwick Landing State Park and Western State Mental Institute for the State of Tennessee. For 20 years, he worked hard, retiring with a well-earned sense of peace. The American Legion was close to his heart, too—he was the first commander of the Sons of American Legion in Selmer and led Post 162 from 2021 to 2024. Even when his health started slipping, he’d still try to muster that old commander’s spirit.

Ted had his quirks, and we loved him for them. He’d spend hours sorting his coin collection or tracking down some rare piece of Coca-Cola memorabilia—Classic westerns were his escape; and if you got him talking, well, you’d better settle in—he had a gift for stretching a quick chat into a full-blown tale. Ask anyone who heard him say " let me show you," or "did I tell you."

But above all, Ted loved the Lord and his family.

On March 4, 2025, in Florence, Alabama, Ted slipped away from us, at 73 years and 9 days —surrounded by his wife, Janet Marie and son Derek. We miss him but we know he is rejoicing in the arms of our Lord and Savior, where there is no more pain and we will all see him again one day!

He leaves behind his wife, Janet Marie Miller; son, Derek Andrew Miller(Amanda); grandchildren, Alexis, Kylie and Noah Miller; one brother, Teddy Miller; his cherished sisters and brothers-in-law, Gean Skelton, Judy Lyles, Wanda Geary (Havert), and Penny Maxedon (Ronnie); several nieces and nephews: Al Papadakis, Chip Skelton (Samantha), Burke Skelton (Leah), Steve Yurick (fiance Ashley), Missy Ferrell (Chris), Heath Geary (Selena), Heather Coyle (Isaiah), Shaun Maxedon (Autumn), Aiden Maxedon, Thomas Miller, Jason Miller (Karole), and Matthew Miller (Laura); in addition, he had several great nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Terry Rufus and Tommy Lee Miller.

His legacy will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved him.