Michael Corkey Miller

Michael Corkey Miller, age 74, was born on an Air Force Base in California, to Dalores Mason Burrill and George Lee “Corkey” Miller.  He experienced significant losses as a toddler due to his parent’s divorce. His legal custody was with his father, however due to his military responsibilities, Micheal lived with friends and family members while his father was deployed until 1955 when his father remarried. As a military dependent, Michael lived in various locations including California, Vermont, North Carolina, Maine, Japan, France, and Delaware. 

He enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam era and was hurt during his Basic Training, suffering injuries and complications that would affect him throughout the years.  After an honorable discharge he worked in law enforcement, retail businesses, and as a professional poker player.  Michael spent the majority of his adult years living in California, Nevada, and Mississippi.  He spent his final years in North Carolina, enjoying much support from his family and friends, and under the care of the Asheville VA Hospital.

Michael slept peacefully into his death, sharing his death date with his father who died 16 years earlier.    A champion of the underdog and a fierce animal lover, he was one of a kind – generous, kind and compassionate.  He was passionate about many causes (especially Liberal!) and relied heavily on his “little sister” Beth over the years, who provided much of the love and emotional support he had missed as a result of his early childhood trauma.  He had a big heart and attempted to make amends to those he had offended in the past.  He was a big, handsome bear of a man, sometimes challenging to love, but always difficult to ignore. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized four years prior to his death. He radiated goodness and grace, even when loud, insistent and annoying. 

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Eileen and her daughter Sarah,  step-mother Annabelle, sisters Beth, Robin, Tammy & Kimber, daughters January and Shana, two nephews Bryan and Daniel, four nieces, Aden, Moriah, Sarah, and Katie, three great nephews, Max, Keller, and Tanner, and two great-nieces, Seanna and Maelyn. 

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Madison Health & Rehab for their patient, professional and gentle care and his Four Season’s Hospice team.  Their combined efforts afforded Michael the opportunity to rally and find some enjoyment and peace despite his declining health,  before his surprising death early Saturday morning, May 27, 2023.  His ashes will be entombed at the North Carolina Veterans’ Cemetery in Black Mountain, North Carolina on Thursday, June 15, 2023, with an open house thereafter at his home in Weaverville.  

Rest in peace, Michael.  You will be missed by many, forgotten by few.  

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