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State Senator John Miller dies at age 68

Posted at 2:17 PM, Apr 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-04 14:17:44-04

Newport News, Va. – Virginia State Senator John Miller passed away Monday at the age of 68.

Miller served in the Senate of Virginia for the 1st District since 2007. He won reelection in both 2011 and 2015.

Miller served on Senate Committees for Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Local Government and Privileges and Elections.

Recently, John Miller worked hard on a bill to restructure high school education. NewsChannel 3 interviewed him about the bill in February.

Before his time in the State Senate, Miller worked in administration at WHRO and Christopher Newport University. He was also an aide for Senator Paul Trible for six years. Miller also spent 18 years as a manager and journalist at WVEC-­TV.

Miller was also involved in the local community. He was a member of the Marketing Committee of the Newport News Economic Development Authority and served on the board of Smart Beginnings of the Virginia Peninsula. He was also a member of People to People, a group dedicated to improving race relations in Newport News and spent 20 years an umpire in the Warwick Little League.

Miller lived with his wife Sharron in Newport News. He had a daughter, Jenny, son-­in-­law Mark, son John, daughter-in-­law Mary Peyton and grandson Isaac.

Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam issued the following statement Monday afternoon:

“Pam and I are saddened to hear of Senator Miller’s passing. John was a longtime friend to our family and a kind and genuine man, who served the Commonwealth with distinction. We were both elected to the Senate in 2007 and were seatmates in the Capitol. He was a strong advocate in the General Assembly for Virginia’s children, our military, and environment. His decades of service in Hampton Roads as a journalist, an elected official, and community leader have made Virginia a better place. Please keep his wife Sharron and their family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Statement from Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring:

"The Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Senate, and most of all Sharron, Jenny, John and the Miller family have lost an extraordinary man and public servant. John brought a quiet resolve to his work on behalf of students, veterans, and all Virginians who needed someone fighting on their behalf. I will miss his friendship and his compassionate heart, and Laura and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sharron, their children, and John's many friends and colleagues."

Statement from U.S. Senator Mark Warner:

“I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Senator John Miller. I knew John as a businessman and active leader in the community prior to entering public service. I’m proud to have been an early supporter of John as he ventured into politics and am even prouder to call him a friend. He will be sincerely missed.

“I send my deepest condolences to his wife Sharron and the Miller family."

Statement from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine:

“John Miller was a longtime friend and a true public servant who dedicated so much of his career to serving Virginians. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Sharron and all those in the district that he loved so much.”

Statement from Congressman Bobby Scott:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of State Senator John Miller.  I first knew John during his time as a broadcaster and I welcomed him as he transitioned to public office.  John was a dedicated public servant who led efforts in the General Assembly to reform SOL testing and combat sea level rise.  He was willing to work with both sides of the aisle to achieve results for our Commonwealth.  I grew to appreciate his counsel as we worked on behalf of our mutual constituents.  My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sharron, his daughter Jenny and his son John, and his countless friends and supporters.”

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 4:00-8:00pm at Weymouth Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00am on Friday, April 8, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Denbigh, 3628 Campbell Rd., Newport News, VA 23602.

Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation or Peninsula READS.