Darius Henry Miller, age 82, died peacefully Thursday morning, October 22, 2009, in Morristown-Hamblen Hospital after a period of declining health.

He was born at home in the Edgemont community on April 28, 1927, the older of twin sons of the late Oscar and Jessie (Clevenger) Miller. Two younger daughters would later complete the family.

He was educated at Edgemont Elementary School and Cocke County High School. Prior to his graduation from high school, he was drafted into the US Navy during World War II. Upon his discharge from service, he returned to CCHS and graduated with the Class of 1947.

Following high school graduation, he entered Tennessee Tech where he studied business. After leaving college, he returned to Newport where he went to work for Stewart's Potato Chip Company of Knoxville serving numerous grocery stores throughout the area.

After eight years with this company, he became an agent for State Farm Insurance on December 15, 1957, a position he held for 50 years.

He was a loyal and faithful member of First United Methodist Church, serving as church treasurer and as a member of the Administrative Board.

He was also a member of both the Newport Lions Club and the Newport Masonic Lodge #234 F&AM for over 50 years.

For several years, he was a director of the Tennessee-Carolina Fair.

Many years ago, he enjoyed his work as an announcer for the old Tennessee/Carolina Speedway.

In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting and restoring vintage automobiles, as well as watching college football and basketball and NASCAR races. He was especially fond of the UT Lady Vols.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Jane Miller Randolph.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Betty Jo Winter Miller of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law Vera and John Watson of Maryville, TN and Beth and Steve Brown, Danielsville, GA; two beloved grandchildren Brittany Kimball of Athens, GA and John Darius Scott of Danielsville, GA; his twin brother and sister-in-law James D. and Betty Miller and sister Lorene Miller Robeson, all of Newport; nephew and his wife Jimmy and Sharon Miller, nephew Dale Robeson, and niece and her husband Janice and Calvin Norton, all of Newport; nephew John C. Horner of Bulls Gap; niece and her husband Rosemary and Rick Balsinger of Medina, OH, and niece Susan Austin of Greeneville.

The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., with the funeral services to follow. Church pastors Rev. Rick Spell and Rev. Marta Cogburn will officiate.

Active pallbearers will be John Darius Scott, Randy Ragan, Bob Arnold, Eric Varner, Jim McMahan, Conard Smith, and E. R. Walker III.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Newport Lions Club.

Entombment will be on Sunday, October 25, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 212 Washington Avenue, Newport, TN 37821 or Edgemont Church of God, 202 Clevenger Cut Off Road, Newport, TN 37821.

Family and friends may sign the guest book on-line at www.manesfuneralhome.com.

Manes Funeral Home is in charge.