Mr. Rafin Miller

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Rafin “Ray” Miller was born on May 11, 1931, to the late, Mathew Miller and Rosellie Samuel-Miller.  At 90 years old, he transitioned to eternity on Sunday, January 9, 2022, surrounded by his grandchildren.

Ray grew up in Lane, South Carolina (Kingstree) and attended Kingstree High School. After high school, Ray joined the United States Marine Corp (USMC), and once retired, he was employed by the United States Post Office where he worked for 40 years. Though soft-spoken, Ray became the President of the Post Office Mail Handler Union where he showed strong leadership abilities representing his fellow mail handlers.

While working for the United States Post Office, Ray met the love of his, life Alma T. Gibson. They were married on June 6, 1951, in Asheville, North Carolina. Later, they moved to Columbia, South Carolina where they were blessed with three children, James (Big Jr) Gibson, Pamela Gibson, and Alicia Gibson.

Ray and his wife joined St. John Baptist Church in 1953. He was a faithful member until his passing.  Ray was a devoted Christian, he served on the Trustee Committee for over 50 years and also was responsible for the church’s finances.

Ray was a great husband and father, and a true man of God.  He always put the concern of others first. He had the love and respect from everyone in his community and served as a mentor to many. Ray was a light in a dark room; making all those in his presence feel safe. He devoted his life to being the very best a man could be. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Dodgers, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.

In addition to his parents, Ray will be warmly received by his wife, Alma; three children, James, Pamela, and Alicia; grandson, Michael Gibson; two sisters, Irene Miller-Brunson, Janniehee Miller-Martin; and two brothers, Edward Miller and James Miller.

Although Ray has transitioned home to be with our Heavenly Father, he leaves behind, embolden with his spirit, his grandchildren, Felicia Gibson, Terrence (Latoshia) Gibson, Mark Gibson, Christopher (Sadae) Gibson, Tawandra Gibson, Corey Gibson, and Ryan Gibson; great-grandchildren, Joann Y. Bernard, Justis Bernard, Breayanna Gibson, Da’Manique Thompson, Breon  Gibson, Kenneth Gibson, Brian Gibson, Terrence Gibson Jr., Kieara Gibson, Christopher Gibson Jr., Nicole Gibson; brother, Richard Miller; and a host of nephews, nieces, and other beloved friends and relatives.

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