On June 28, 1935, Paul Lawrence Miller was born in Hookerton, NC to the late William T. Wilks and Sudie L. Miller.

As a standout athlete in baseball, Paul graduated from Greene County High School in 1953. To further his education, he took business courses at Forsyth Technical Community College and received an associate's degree. In addition, he obtained licenses in taxation, fire casualty, and real estate/brokerage.

After a prosperous summer working on the family farm, Paul relocated to Winston-Salem, NC in 1954 to live with his favorite Uncle Seymour and his wife. At first, he began working at Uncle Seymour's grocery store and around the house, helping where needed. Then he found gainful employment at Western Electric Company (currently known as AT&T) in the janitorial department until he volunteered for the United States Army.

Paul enlisted in the United States Army on October 15, 1958. He graduated from Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC, and finished Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Ft. Dix, NJ. After completing basic training and AIT, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as an 11B Infantryman. By the end of his tenure in the Army, Paul was promoted to Corporal, he was a Weapons Squad Leader, and he received an honorable discharge for his outstanding service on September 26, 1960.

After he departed from the military, Paul returned to Western Electric Company on October 1, 1960. While working there, he co-founded a tax services company with R. Lewis Ray and Clarence Watson known as Ray, Watson, and Miller Tax Services. After years of success, Paul started his own taxation business called Paul Miller Tax Services. In addition to his taxation business, Paul wanted to extend his entrepreneurial endeavors.

He grew an interest in fire and casualty, real estate, and property management, becoming one of the first black realtors in Winston-Salem, NC. Although committed to his business ventures, he still found time to serve his community.

As a result, he founded Paul Miller Realty, Inc. working as the sole owner and operator of the company. Although committed to his business ventures, he still found time to serve his community.

Paul was a pillar of his community. He was the Head Coach of the Cherry Hill Tigers Baseball Team, leading them to win a Little League Championship in the summer of 1962. He also mentored Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School kids ages 6-10. He became a master Mason of Bivouac Lodge #503 in 1980. In this Lodge, he served as a Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and the Worshipful Master. He also served as the District Deputy Grand Master in the Western Region of North Carolina, the Director of the Knights of Pythagoras for the entire state of North Carolina, the Past Patron of the Eastern Stars of Bivouac Chapter #530, and a member of the Shriners. He was also an active member at Hanes CME Church for over 50 years performing multiple duties such as teaching Sunday School, visiting the sick, and serving as a Trustee. Lastly, Paul was instrumental in getting computers, laptops, and other educational supplies for Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, between 1981-1984.

He leaves to cherish his memory two surviving children Veronica Y. Miller of Winston-Salem, NC, and Lawrence E. Miller of Elgin, SC, from his ex-wife (Esther Kimbrough Miller); two grandchildren Eric B. Miller (Jodelle) of Capitol Heights, MD and Derek G. Miller (Dashekia) of Winston -Salem, NC; three great-grandsons Malakai Miller, Marcel Miller, and Mansa Miller of Winston-Salem, NC; one brother Lindberg Miller of Goldsboro, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Public viewing will be from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Thursday, February15, 2024 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 11:00 AM, Friday, February 16, 2024 in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. The family will greet friends thirty-minutes prior to service.

For a copy of funeral program click here