Joseph Miller

Joseph Miller peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 28, 2024. He was born October 27, 1925, to the late Dahlia Henry Miller and Alma Clemons Miller. He was preceded in death by his five brothers and four sisters and was the last living child born of their union. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte R. Miller.

He was educated in the Richmond, Virginia Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1942. After completing high school, Joseph enlisted in the United States Army, and served this country from various locations both home and abroad. Shortly after leaving the Army, Joseph enrolled in an automotive school program in Detroit, Michigan operated by the Ford Motor Company where he became certified as a Master Automobile Technician and Body and Fender Craftsman.

Joseph subsequently relocated to the Washington, DC area where he owned and managed the first black owned City Service (CITGO) gas station and auto repair. Joseph left the auto repair business and embarked on his journey in automobile sales. Joseph was the first black salesperson at Banning Crysler-Plymouth-Dodge in Hyattsville, Maryland. Joseph proceeded to become one of the best salespersons in his sales district, which included Washington, DC and parts of Maryland and Virginia. He won numerous awards for his stellar sales record including a trip to Hawaii.

Joseph was a member of Ionic Lodge #17, Jonathan Davis Consistory #1, M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of the District of Columbia, where he earned his 33-degree honors. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Joseph was elevated to most Worshipful Master by his peers.

Joseph was a dedicated member of Good Hope Union United Methodist Church of Silver Spring, Maryland and for many years devoted much of his time and effort in the maintenance and upkeep of his beloved church. He served as a dutiful trustee, greeter and was a very active member of the United Methodist Men chapter at the church.

Joseph was an avid sports fan and was a very loyal Washington Redskins fan. He had tickets for many years and enjoyed going to the home games and looked forward to tailgating before and after the games. Joseph was known for his wry sense of humor, quick wit and had a general repartee with everyone he met. Joseph was the dependable rock for his family and friends and was a true provider in every sense of the word. Joseph loved to entertain, play Bid Whist at our holiday parties, cook his famous fish with french fries and spend time with all the people he loved and cared about. Joseph will be greatly missed by all.

Joseph is survived by his five children, Ammon L. Miller Jr. Esquire, Janice Renee Miller Davis, Gloria Miller-Jones, Linda Miller and Angela Miller; grandchildren, Jeanette Buffert, Ammon L. Miller III, John Buffert, Janique Ettel and Iman Marshall; great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren and a host of other beloved relatives and friends.

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