Gene Autry Miller

Gene Autry Miller, age 88, of Knoxville, TN went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, March 12, 2026 unexpectedly in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. Gene was born August 23, 1937 in Roanoke, Virginia. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Knoxville. He was noted for playing baseball with his cousins and friends growing up. He was an avid Vol fan. Gene was in the Air Force. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Greenland, Massachusetts, and Michigan. After the Military he was supervisor at John H. Daniel’s Customized Suits until his retirement. He also raised prize cattle. Gene had the honor to go with the Honor Air Flight April 2019 from Knoxville to Washington D. C. He was the only one to receive the only blanket given upon his arrival back. Gene was the beloved husband of Mary Ann Wheat Miller whom he married two and half years ago. You would always see them together holding hands. They did a lot of traveling, worked together having yard sales, etc. Always on the go. They even went to New Orleans, July 2025, to the National Missouri Synod Youth Gathering with First Lutheran Youth. A man of faith, Gene loved His Lord, and his life showed it! He was an inspiration to everyone! He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Gilbert and Ella Miller; sister, Irene; brother, James; first wife, Terry and his second wife Lena. Gene is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Wheat Miller; daughters, Susan J. Miller (Tom), Shellia M. Byrd (Steve); sons, James S. Wheat (Deb), Jeffrey L. Wheat Garcia (Alisia), David M. Wheat (Tammy); sister, Barbara Bobby Robinson and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends In lieu of flowers please give to First Lutheran Church 1207 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37919. A Divine Chirstian service will be 12:00pm Thursday, March 19, 2026, at First Lutheran Church 1207 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37919, officiated by Pastor Ed Maanum. The burial will follow at 2:00pm in Strawberry Plains Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00am – 12:00pm at the church prior to the funeral on Thursday. Pallbearers David Wheat, Jeffrey Wheat Garcia, Jackie Wheat, Steve Byrd, Steven Bennett and James Bo Wheat. Honorary Pallbearers, James Wheat, Branson Holton, Tommy Swabe and Kyizer Fielden. Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve the Miller family.

Gene Autry Miller

August 23, 1937 - March 12, 2026