Robert “Bob” Everette Miller

Robert “Bob” Everette Miller, 94, hometown hero, distinguished citizen, and respected educator of Morganton, NC, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026.

Born in Burke County, NC on August 8, 1931, he was the son of the late William Cameron Miller and Etta Benfield Miller.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Charlie Beth Benfield Miller; brothers, Andrew, Mike, Cary, Ray, Ralph, and Albert Miller; and sisters, Gwendolyn M Pitts, Emmie “Sue” M. Copeland, Pauline M. Whisnant, and Gladys M. Whisnant.

Bob was drafted into the US Army on December 2, 1952. He served as an infantryman with Company A, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division. He fought in the Korean War until he sustained serious injuries in the famed Battle of Pork Chop Hill in July of 1953. Bob’s experiences were chronicled in two books by Bill McWilliams: “A Return to Glory” and “On Hallowed Ground – Pork Chop Hill.” During his 18 months of service he received numerous awards, including: Silver Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, UN Defense Medal, National Service Medal, South Korean Defense Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.

He earned his teaching certificate from Appalachian Teacher’s College (now Appalachian State University), and a master’s degree in business and economics, also from ASU. He completed his student teacher at Morganton High School. Bob taught business at Glen Alpine High School and also part-time at Oak Hill High School and Western Piedmont Community College. He finished his 22-year teaching career at Freedom High School.

Mr. Miller championed for veterans throughout the years. He chartered the Disabled American Veterans Morganton Chapter #43 in 1956 and has served in various leadership positions with the organization, both locally and statewide. He is also a member of the Morganton American Legion Post #21 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Table Rock Post #5362. Bob has logged countless hours at the Charles George VA Medical Center. His dedication to veterans has earned him many honors, including: US Veterans Administration Leadership Award, Charles George VA Medical Center Volunteer of the Year Award, Disabled American Veterans National George H. Seal Memorial Trophy for Volunteer Service, many local honors, Burke County Man of the Year, Morganton Human Relations Commission Citizen of the year, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s State/Southeast Region Volunteer Veteran Award, United Daughters of the Confederacy Southern Cross, and Sons of the Confederate Veteran Patriot Award. Mr. Miller has previously served as master of ceremonies for the local Veterans Day Service and has coordinated the annual Veterans Day breakfast at the DAV headquarters for years. “It is through the services of men and women, like myself, that served our nation in the military, that we enjoy the peace and prosperity that we have today,” Miller said.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Robert Wayne Miller, Sr.; step-daughter, Penny Moody; grandchildren, Robert, Misty, Matthew, Darin, Brittany, Sharon, and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Harley, Heidi, Lexi, Joe, Zoey, Lilly, Rylan, Mason, Layla, Eli, Layla, and Jasmin; and numerous extended family.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Zion Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the church with Rev. Keith Rose officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DAV Chapter 43, PO Box 572, Morganton, NC 28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.