Richard Kirk Miller

Miller, Richard Kirk, Jr.

The Reverend Kirk Miller, age 74, died peacefully at home in Scottdale, GA on Sunday, April 7. He was born July 1, 1949, in Augusta, GA to Marguerite Ellis and Richard Kirk Miller, Sr. Kirk earned a B.A. in English at Augusta College, and a Master of Divinity degree at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in 1974. Ordained in the United Methodist Church on July 1, 1975, he served in active ministry in the North Georgia Conference for 21 years. He chose a path in ministry inspired by his chaplaincy training, and was a family and marriage psychotherapist for many years, later moving into providing workshops for leadership development and "soft skills" for churches, government agencies, and businesses. He was known by friends and family as a fine cook and amazing problem-solver. From hooking up a sump pump to drain water from a basement, to helping a neighbor pull a tarp over his roof in the middle of an ice storm, to building Koi ponds, a deck, and a beautifully crafted stone retaining wall at his home, Kirk was unusually resourceful and could successfully tackle any project. Some of his most treasured hours were spent riding his Harley with friend Robert Adcock and other friends, going wherever the whim took them. Kirk is survived by wife Scott Salyards, daughter Laura, grandchildren Nicholas, Skyler, Ashlyn, and Jordyn; sisters Marguerite, Susan, Kathy, and Lisa, Aunt Elizabeth, and numerous cousins.

A celebration of Kirk's life will be held Thursday, April 25 at 2:00 pm at Holy Trinity Parish, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Holy Trinity Parish. Online condolences may be expressed at www.asturner.com.