Back to Obituaries J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Marion D. Miller

Passed 01/10/2024

Obituary For Marion D. Miller

Marion Douglas “Dooley” Miller was born on May 24th, 1953 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Booker T. Miller Sr. of Pacolet, South Carolina. Dooley was a 1971 graduate of Pacolet High School and a 1975 graduate of Presbyterian College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History. He was Presbyterian College’s first African American student-athlete, first African-American male graduate and served as captain of the men’s basketball team. Dooley served as President of the African American Alumni Association and the Presbyterian College National Alumni Association. He earned his Masters of Education Degree plus 30 hours of graduate work in 1991 from Converse College. Dooley was a Connecting Link through his wife’s involvement with The Spartanburg (SC) Chapter of the Links, Incorporate and a member of the Eleven Gents Social Club.
Dooley was an avid lover of sports. In high school, he excelled at every sport he played but he had a special gift for the game of basketball. While in high school, Dooley held every offensive record in Pacolet High School’s history. He was named Broome High School’s varsity men’s head basketball coach at age 26 and not only taught young men the fundamentals of basketball but was a role model for them on and off the basketball court. Many of his former players described him as a loving, caring and compassionate coach who truly cared for every student and player he encountered.
Dooley was a retired educator with Spartanburg County School District 3 where he served in the capacity of a teacher, coach, guidance counselor and an administrator to thousands of students across Spartanburg County. Dooley was loved and respected by his students and colleagues and was known for his incredible sense of humor, his loving and infectious spirit and his ability to command a room by simply smiling.
Outside of Dooley’s numerous accomplishments in the classroom and on the basketball court, people knew Dooley for his character. Most people described Dooley as the “friendliest person you will ever meet.” He was a man of integrity, good morals and strong values and had the unique ability to never meet a stranger. Dooley was a strong Christian man and was a faithful servant of God who truly strived to live like Christ in his everyday walk. He was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Church of Spartanburg where he served faithfully on the Deacon Board, led the First Impressions Ministry and was an active member of the Men’s Sunday School class.
Left to cherish his fond and loving memories are: his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Margarette Bell Miller, his daughters, Syreeta Nicole Dendy of Spartanburg and Marian “Lustra”-Bell Miller of Greenville; his son, Titus Anthony Miller, Sr. of Spartanburg; his two granddaughters, Tieraney Aaliyah Miller and Kali Rose Miller; his grandson, Titus Anthony Miller, Jr.; his brothers, Maxie Miller (Yvonne) of Boiling Springs and Booker T. Miller, Jr. of Pacolet; his special niece, Katherine Burgess Crosby of Spartanburg; his special nephew, Ronald King, Jr. of Greenville,; and a host of special aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dooley left his earthly home and entered the gates of Heaven on the morning of January 10th, 2024 at Spartanburg Medical Center surrounded by his family. He lived a beautiful life full of love, kindness, generosity and his legacy will live on for years to come.

A Celebration fo the Life of Marion Douglas "Dooley" Miller will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 700 S. Converse St., Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the Heritage Memorial Gardens,3901 S. Church St., Roebuck, SC.


Condolences & Tributes

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Marlene Elizabeth Thacker sent Mixed Spray for Marion D. Miller - January 14, 2024

Mrs. Margarett Bell Miller and Family: With Deepest Sympathy in the loss of your loved one. We will see him again one day!

From Mrs. Nellie Thacker and Family

Send flowers for Marion D. Miller

PATRICIA MEANS KING sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Marion D. Miller - January 14, 2024

To Mrs. Marguarette Miller and Family, Please except our deepest condolences. We are praying for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time.

Patricia Means-King and family.

Allison Hogan sent Wishes & Blessings Bouquet for Marion D. Miller - January 14, 2024

Mrs. Margarette & Family,

I'm so sorry for the loss of Mr. Miller! I pray for your strength and comfort during this time. I love you endlessly !

Sincerely , Mia Hogan

The Peace Lily was sent for Marion D. Miller - January 12, 2024

The Peace Lily was sent for Marion D. Miller - January 12, 2024

kimberly mcvay sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Marion D. Miller - January 12, 2024

Lustra, We love you and have you in our prayers. The McVay Family

Mary Hardy sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Marion D. Miller - January 11, 2024

Love and prayers From Hardy Family

James R. Lambert Jr planted 5 trees in memory of Marion D. Miller . - January 14, 2024

Plant trees for Marion D. Miller

I miss you pops...I miss you soooo much! Q82

My dear friend, I am saddened to hear that you have been called home to join the Church triumphant so soon. He was my good friend and breakfast buddy. Deepest sympathy to his wife and family. Deacon Izell Black and family.

I am sorry for your loss, Mrs. Margarette, Lustra, Syreeta, Titus, and the Miller family. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May the memories of your husband and father bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead, and may his legacy continue to live on through all of you. Dr. Patrick Suber

Our prayers are with you and the family Cuz. He will be truly missed by all. RIP Dooley Miller!

Prayer and our Love, Roger Means and Family

Margarette I am sending prayers of comfort and peace to you and the family. Dooley was truly one of a kind, a genuine and caring person, his joyful smile will always be remembered. Love Rhondi

Peace Be With The Miller Family! Our Deepest Condolences! Rest Peacefully Dooley! The Stewart & Tyson Family (Spartanburg/ Charlotte)

Mrs. Margarette, Lustra, Syreeta, Titus and the Miller family, we extend our condolences and sympathy during the remembrance of your sweet husband and father. May his lasting legacy and the memories created give you comfort in days to come.

Love, Robay Nikki Stroble and Family

I had the pleasure of meeting and playing basketball with Dooley back in the day after everyone got out of college. We played at the old Spartanburg High most Sundays at 2 pm. I thought that Dooley was the nicest guy that anyone could ever meet. His jump shot was a thing of beauty as well. God bless all of his family and friends at this time. He surely will be missed by all. Steve Smith

Dooley Miller was the best. Having the privilege of teaching with him and being his colleague and friend, I learned so much about life and history. He was intelligent, genuine, instinctively people- smart_an optimistic encourager. I was proud to know this loving man. Such an outstanding man touched the lives of so many. I am grateful that he touched mine. Floride Willard

We are sending our prayers and condolences to Margarette and her family. May God continue to wrap his arms around you and comfort you.

Shearton and Gale Whitfield

To my cousins Margarette,Lustra,Syrette Titus. Your husband any your dad was an example of what a good man should be. He was so humble and easy going,I've never seen him mad at anybody and everybody loved Dooley. He will truly be missed. Take Your Rest Cousin💙 Love Y'all Iris Russell(Puddin)

Dooley was such a happy, soft-spoken, humble, caring, kind, well-mannered guy and had such a positive outlook and infectious smile! As someone noted, I'm pretty sure the last time I spoke with him, he grinned and said, "If I was doing any better, I couldn't stand it!" Doug & I are so sorry for your loss...May you find comfort in the happy memories of a life well lived—and may God bless you with that "peace that passeth understanding"... Angie (McGregor) Lown & Doug Lown PC: '75

My Love, prayers and condolences go out to the Miller family praying that you all be strong.❤️ Love Brenda Littlejohn Scott

Margarette, Lustra, Syretta, Titus, and Maxie I am praying for you all. Dooley was a nice man. I'm praying for strength, comfort, and understanding for you all. Paula Foster

My deepest sympathy to Margarette, Lustra and family on the loss of Dooley, a very nice person that I learned to know while my daughters were attending the Margarette Bell dance studio. Our prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement. May he rest in Heaven 🕊️ Sheila Wilson, Jonnika Wilson and Christiniafaith

Margarette and Family, I am praying for all of you.

My prayers to the Miller family. Dooley was an exceptional guy.

Frankie Fowler

Margarette..I always told you that you "got" the prize in Dooley!! Tall..handsome and truly in love with you!! A kind and caring husband..father and friend!!

I'm sending my thoughts...prayers..and love to you..Lustra and the rest of the family!!! ❤️💛🌺❤️💛 Yolanda G Haile 95

We offer condolences and prayers for the Miller family. May God comfort you during this time and give you peace. Pastor Eddie & Marilyn Parks & the Rice family.

Margarette and Lustra, I am so sorry for your loss. I know Mr. Miller was a fine man and such an influence on so many. His legacy lives on in the lives he has touched. You will be in my prayers. I cherish my memories of you both. What a fine family! Love, Faith Bramhall

My heart is broken by the news of the passing of one of the most influential people in my life. Dooley has been my mentor, my relative and my friend. Family, I love you all and pray for your comfort. Todd Hardy

From high school days to now Dooley exemplified gentleman. His smile, his kindness and his concern for others. Such a blessing to know him. He left a legacy that God is great in our lives. Forever we remember the gift of knowing him. All the sports and the great days at PHS and the years that followed. Ralph and Sherry Jett.

From high school days to now Dooley exemplified gentleman. His smile, his kindness and his concern for others. Such a blessing to know him. He left a legacy that God is great in our lives. Forever we remember the gift of knowing him. All the sports and the great days at PHS and the years that followed. Ralph and Sherry Jett.

For Margarette and family, our sincere prayers for you while you forever remember your love for Dooley and his for you. He was the light in so many people he shared words of encouragement, prayer and life living. May God continue to bless you now and forever. He will always be with you in your thoughts, sharing memories and prayers. Smile when the happy memories come and cry when the sadness come. Remember he is still with you in your memories of him. Please know we share your sorrow and will continue to pray for you all. May God Bless this Family, the Sears and Knuckles Families

Our sincere condolences to Margarette, Lustra and the Miller family. Dooley was the epitome of a gentleman. His life exemplifies a " man after God's own heart". May God grant you His everlasting peace and solace during this time of transition. Pastor Horace & Rev. Barbara Wilson

Sending Prayers and Condolences to the family 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Ida Wilkins and Family

You have our deepest condolences ,Doris andTed Caldwell

I had the privilege of being his student in high school and then his colleague all in D3. Just a great man who positively affected everyone he came in contact with. You always felt better after leaving his presence. And don't forget about that infectious smile!~ Meg Hammett Cheshier

Margarette and family, you have my deepest and sincere condolences in the loss of Dooley. May God comfort you with memories of the good times you spent together. Gloria Butler

My deepest condolences to the family of Marion Miller. I love y'all like family. My prayers are going up for your peace and comfort during this time of loss. Love Ella, Jennifer Kontessa, Jade Keva Spears

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Dooley's Family. Dooley was a true inspiration to everyone he was around. His passion for doing the right thing was contagious. He led a great life and was truly a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all celebrate the man Dooley was and the contributions he made to everyone fortunate enough to know him. Very Respectfully Ken & Terri Garner

Sending my deepest condolences and prayers Mrs. Margarette and Family. So sorry for your loss. -Tchacona Means & Family

My very deepest condolences. Offering prayers for you and your family.

Lustra and family, my deep condolences to you during your time of loss. May you be filled with countless warm memories. Lisa Knight

Rest In Peace Coach prayer's for the family, from Cedrick A McBeth

Prayer's for the family Rest In Peace Coach,I remember driving the bus for him and the basketball team back in 84-85 great man and family

As a student - athlete at Pacolet High School, Dooley was a joy to be around on a daily basis. Both on the field and in the classroom, he was special. I loved Dooley, Booker, Maxie and their Mom and Dad like family. Such good people!! He'll certainly be missed! My condolences to his family! Larry Duncan

Dooley was always a bright spot when we worked together in School District 3. His smile and cheerfulness were contagious. God be with the family.

Heartfelt condolences to the Miller family at this time.

Love from the Fedalei & Reid Law family

Margarette, My sincere thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Met "Dooley" as Gloria's cousin and a basketball player at Presbyterian College/Clinton and We were at Lander College/Greenwood. He has always been a friend or ours and an awesome MAN of GOD. He is resting easy now!

Margarette, our family extends deep sympathy to you and your family during this time. We are so sorry for your loss. Dooley was truly a blessing to so many. Let the peace of God comfort and strengthen you.

~Charles and Gloria Clemons

Praying for you Margarette and all of the family.

This news breaks my heart. As a young freshman basketball player at Presbyterian College in 1975, Dully was extremely caring person and a perfect gentleman to me. He was a born leader to our team. Just loved this guy. Have not see him in many years. He is now walking the streets of gold with Jesus!

My condolences goes out to the family This is truly a great loss to the family and community.May God continue to strengthen you all.Keep the memories alive and we know God makes no mistakes..Minister Sherry Hardy

Deepest condolences. My prayers are with you and your family Margarette 🙏🏿🙏🏿 Reginald & Helen Wilburn

To Maxie, Booker, Margarette, Lustra, As my daughter broke the news to me this morning of Dooley's passing my heart swelled with the love I always had for him as I wept. It was such a pleasure to have Dooley, along with Maxie and Booker, as students at Pacolet High and made me proud as the principal to see what good there is in the world. I cannot find the words to express my sorrow, just my joy for being so fortunate to have known such a great man. Please know of my deepest sympathy during this time, Coach Pee Wee Lambert

Red Ballenger Dooley was my friend, my teamate, and my brother. He was always smiling and laughing. The happiest guy I ever knew. I love Dooley. Rest in peace brother. Red

"If I was any better, I couldn't stand it" was Dooley's signature response accompanied by a sincere smile after greeting him and asking how he was doing when we worked together at Progress Lighting. His goal at the time was to make sure that he and the sparkle of his eye-"Rette", as he lovingly called Margarette, had an amazing honeymoon in Hawaii. His mission was accomplished far beyond that goal, as he proved himself to be an upstanding family man and role model for so many of us connected to the Bell/Miller families. To Margarette, thank you for your example of steadfast Love, strength, and support. We pray that you continue to find strength and refuge in our Heavenly Father; and that you, Lustra, Syreeta, Titus, and extended family/friends find comfort and peace in knowing that as Dooley has received his ultimate healing, if he was any better he couldn't stand it. Much love to you all. Rev. Dennis and Mrs. Tina Smith

Prayers to Dooley's family and friends. Maxie and Booker, we were blessed to play sports with a legendary athlete and more importantly, human being. RIP Dooley, until we see you again.

Lustra and family - my deepest sympathies and prayers are with you. Mr. Miller was remarkable, as evidenced by the amazing woman you are, Lustra. I love you and with you in this time.

Margarette, Alex and I are so sorry to hear about Dooleys' passing. He was sincerely a good man. Our continued prayers are with you, Lustra and the rest of your family. The two of you had such a wonderful love story. He will always be with you. Sisterly, your Soror and Roomie, Sharon and Alexandra Adams

You will be missed Mr. Miller, in Hampton Heights and the surrounding areas. Always had a smile on your face. The Meadows family sends our prayers out to your family during this great loss. Peace and comfort is hoped for the entire Miller family and friends during your grieving and HEALING process.

You will be missed Mr. Miller, in Hampton Heights and the surrounding areas. Always had a smile on your face. The Meadows family sends our prayers out to your family during this great loss. Peace and comfort is hoped for the entire Miller family and friends during your grieving and HEALING process.

Brother Dooley just heard of your passing (Elaisha) told me and I never had the chance to tell you how much I appreciate you. Our dad's worked at Draper together and he loved you all. Rita and Lustra may GOD comfort you both and Rita thank you and your sister for playing a big part in Elaisha life. Brother Dooley take your bow and RIP 🙏 Dennis Gibson

To The Miller Family & Friends; My Condolences & Prayers To Each Of You.

Linda (Logan) Askari & Family

Sending prayers and love to the Miller family during this difficult time. Love always Tameka Evans-Watson Nayosha Evans & Knavi Brown

Charlotte Williams

My condolences to the family,RIP My Friend 🙏

Mr. Miller was one of the best teachers I encountered at Broome High School. I'm sure he didn't realize it at the time, but he made a positive impact on all of his student's. RIP Mr. Miller. I'm sure you will be missed by many! Melissa Gentry Jones Class of '91'

Sending our deepest most sincere sympathy and prayers to the Miller family during this most difficult time of sorrow. RIP Marion 🕊 Doris Boozer

Prayers 🙏🙏🙏 and condolences to the Miller, Bell and Curry family. Dooley was a nice and friendly person. Never met a stranger, always that smile on his face. May God give you strength doing your time of loss. The Woodruff, Vernon, Austin and Boyd families

" Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" To Margarette, Lustra and the entire family. I was blessed to have known and worked with " Dooley" in various capacities. He was a gentle giant. Thank you for sharing him with the District 3 family, the dance studio and for all of you being an integral part of my family. Continue to trust God for He will strengthen and sustain you during the difficult time ahead. Love all of you. Saundra Giles Gaffney.

Sending our deepest sympathies to the family. May the Peace of God comfort you in the days to come. Rest In Peace Dooley! Evelyn Porter Williams and family

Sending our deepest most sincere sympathy and prayers to the family during this most difficult time of sorrrow. You will be missed Dooley but you will no longer suffer in God's presence. Evelyn Porter Williams

Our Prayer's Are With All Of You In The Lost Of Your Love One May GOD Comfort And Bless Each Of You Rest In Peace In Your Beautiful Forever New Home With Our Father In Heaven 🌷Minister Bill And Sandra Jones

Our Prayers are with the family. He was a very sweet man.

SRHS Surgery Registration

Sending our deepest sympathy during this time of bereavement. May God give you comfort. Lucille Steen and Family

Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time of bereavement. May our Lord Jesus Christ give you comfort. Lucille Steen and Family

The greatest teacher district 3 ever had the privilege of employing 🙏🏻 I'll never forget Dooley and the life lessons he taught me ! The world lost a precious man but God gained a precious soul !

RIP Dolley your soft spoken words, your lavish smile, you touch the lives of so many Love you cousin. Rev. Dr. Betty Crocker, New Hidden Hill Baptist Church

We are praying for you all, during your time of loss. When the time permits we hope you find comfort and peace and strength to heal. RIP Marion 🕊 The Hames Family Jonesville SC

Rita and Lustra: May God bless you with peace and comfort. Thanks for sharing Dooley with me; I will cherish the memories forever. God loves you and I do too!

Rita and Lustra: My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Thanks for sharing Dooley with me. May God bless you with peace and comfort. Well done! God loves you and I do too! 💜

Prayers and condolences for all of you. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

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