Francis Carey Miller Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026 in Newton, N.C.
Carey was born on Sept. 27, 1941, in Lynchburg, to Francis Carey Miller Sr. and Elizabeth McClenny Miller.
He graduated from Middlesex High School in Saluda as a National Merit Scholarship winner. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Tech, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, and a master’s degree in education from The College of William and Mary.
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Carey proudly served in the United States Army for four years, flying helicopters in Vietnam. Before leaving for Vietnam, he married his wife of 60 years, Bette Lee (Mitchell) Miller. They eventually moved to Longmeadow, Mass. where they made their home for 54 years.
Carey taught seventh grade science at Agawam Middle School before becoming the lab manager at Lustre-On Products in Springfield, Mass., where he worked until his retirement.
Outside of work, Carey had two passions, Virginia Tech football and Freemasonry. For many years on Saturday afternoons during football season, you could find him in Blacksburg, Boston, or Syracuse cheering on his beloved Hokies. GO HOKIES!
If Carey was not at a football game, you could often find him cooking dinners at The Meadows Masonic Lodge. Carey was a Mason for 48 years and held several offices including secretary, worshipful master, grand pursuivant and district deputy grand master. In addition, he was a member of the Directors of Melha Shrine.
He is survived by his wife, Bette Lee; his daughters, Jennifer (Derwin) Nelson and Sarah (Jason) Friedberg; three sisters, Barbara Ann (Lewis) Filling, Gail (Jeff) Everhart, and Dale (Melvin) Boone; and four cherished grandchildren, Andrew (Anika) Nelson, Kathryn (Karl) Verschuren, Gabriel Friedberg, and Alexander Friedberg. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 30, from 5-7 p.m. at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, Mass. The funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, at First Church of Christ, 763 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, Mass., followed by burial at Longmeadow Cemetery.
The family is so grateful to the Hope Unit staff at Abernethy Laurels for the kindness, compassion, and loving care they gave Carey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s New England, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.forastiere.com or www.bennettfuneralservice.com.
Condolences may be sent to the Miller family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com.
The Miller family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy. 16, Newton, NC 28658, 828-465-2111.
