Joseph Calvin Miller, age 82, of Castle Hayne passed from his earthly life at home on Saturday, October 5, 2024, surrounded with love and by family.

He was born December 23, 1941 in Pender County, the son of Joseph Richard Miller and Sadie Maxine Guyton Miller. In addition to his parents Calvin was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Miller and his son-in-law, Patrick Watkins.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Delane Garris Miller; sons, Dale Miller (Melissa) and Ricky Miller (Karen); daughter, Shannon Watkins; grandchildren Morgan Benton (Cameron), Brittany May (Cody), Cassidy Miller, Brett Watts (Camryn), Brice Miller (Carolina), Hayden Watkins, and Dylan Watkins; great grandchildren, Perry Benton, Candor May, Ryder Skipper, Avery Benton, and Lorenzo Miller; special cousins who were raised along with Calvin, Judy Young, Kay Lovic (Lee), and Wendy Smiley (Keith); sister, Maxine Wells; brother-in-law, Donald Garris; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Calvin retired from International Paper Company after working for 34 years. In his younger years, Calvin was a volunteer with Wrightsboro Fire Department and a member of Shakey Bay Hunting Club. Currently he was a member of Cape Fear Optimist Club and was considered "mayor of Oakley Road".

Most important in Calvin's life was his lifelong membership at Wrightboro Baptist Church where he was in the Nick Mintz Sunday school class and served on the building and grounds committee. Calvin was a talented wood worker making bird houses, carpenter bee traps, and squirrel picnic tables among other things. He enjoyed fishing and  often found time to cook a pig for family gatherings which he loved. Calvin's grands and great grands brought so much joy and fun in Calvin and Delane's life. First and foremost, Calvin loved and served his Lord, his family, his church family, and his community. Calvin's delightful personality, gentle chuckle, willingness to help others will forever be remembered.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Wrightsboro Baptist Church, 2736 Castle Hayne Road, Wilmington. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Eddie Eaton and Rev. Dondi Pace conducting the service. Burial will follow in Walker Cemetery in Pender County.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest you consider a memorial gift in memory and honor of Calvin to Wrightsboro Baptist Church for Building and Grounds Fund, 2736 Castle Hayne Road, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.