Joseph Miller

Joseph Miller, also known as "Tommy, Nature Boy” and “Cadillac Tom" was born on September 4, 1949, in Walterboro, South Carolina. He was the third born of his parents Pernease Henderson and James Miller, 3 is a charm. In his early childhood he lost both of his parents and was raised by his grandparents, Genia Henderson, "Mame" and Adolph Henderson, "Pape." He entered into eternal rest at his residence in New York on May 15, 2023. 

As a teenager he helped his grandparents around the farm. He attended the public schools of Colleton County. In 1967, he graduated from Ruffin High School. He later relocated to New York City and worked for a local post office. Residing in Brooklyn, New York, he opened his first Club, “South of the Border”; even making the club awning himself. He quickly established a name for himself. He has touched many lives and was loved everywhere he went. Joseph was "God’s son" and always paid his respects at church throughout his life. He became a father in the late 60's.

In the early 80's, he took up a trade in construction work. His attention to detail and exquisite taste became a staple in his workplace and home life, building some of the most monumental buildings throughout New York City. He received several awards and accolades for his work. There was no doubt he was the best in the industry, and he took pride in his accomplishments. Joseph was a natural artist who loved to draw and could turn anything into a masterpiece. Astrong, free spirited, kind, funny, soft spoken, and nonjudgmental individual…these are some of the qualities most of us adored about him. He found himself “winning over” and communicating with people of all walks of life. He loved his family and the extensions of his family. He left his mark in the world and etched our hearts.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Pernease Henderson Miller and James Miller; his grandparents, Genia and Adolph Henderson; his siblings, Josephine Jones and Vernon Miller.

He leaves in God's infinite care, his children, Curtis Dowling, Pernease (Jermaine) Harrison, Jennifer Miller, Josette Miller; his grandchildren, Shaquana Dowling, Shamel Dowling, Caheem Dowling, Taylor Thomas Du'Mori Wingate, Jodie Wingate and his only great-grandson, Shamel Dowling, Jr.; siblings, Joanne (Lennox) Jefferies and Sally Ruth Miller; special uncle, Glenn Sr. (Oretta) Miller; one sister-in-law, Thomasina Miller; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving and friends. 

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