Cover photo for J Harlan Miller's Obituary
J Harlan Miller Profile Photo
1922 J 2010

J Harlan Miller

September 20, 1922 — August 14, 2010

J. Harlan Miller, 87, of Manheim, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

Born in Penn Township, he was the son of the late R. Graybill and Florence Myer Miller. He was the husband of Ruth E. Baker Miller of Brethren Village, Lancaster, whom he wed on March 5, 1944.

As a young man, Harlan bought and operated a poultry farm on the outskirts of Manheim. He then worked as a carpenter, helping to build Park City shopping center. For 20 years he delivered milk and dairy products in the Leola, and New Holland areas for Queen Dairy. He also owned and operated an auto hauling business, transporting cars from the Manheim Auto Auction to buyers along the East Coast. However, Harlan is best known for Millers Chicken Bar-B-Q which he continued after his parents retired, and his antique pottery and china collections. In his later years, his expertise in American pottery increased; with his pieces now being displayed in museums, as well as in the Manheim historical buildings.

Harlan was a true outdoorsman, enjoying deep-sea fishing and wild game hunting. He, with friends, built and maintained Bushy Bungalow in Potter County for over 50 years. His hunting trips for the elusive game included Alaska, Idaho, Utah, as well as PA. In his later years, Harlan could be found enjoying the Manheim Church League Baseball games, attending auctions all over the U.S. in search of that rare piece of pottery, dining at the Barons Diner, or visiting the multiple businesses located on his property.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Joanne Priest of Waynesboro and Carol Michener-Crossett wife of Robert Crossett of Doylestown, eight grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, a sister, Helen wife of John Kegerreis of Myerstown, and three brothers, Arlington husband of Marian Miller of Lititz, Eugene husband of Miriam Miller of Lancaster, and Roy husband of Jeannett Miller of Bullhead, Arizona. Harlan was preceded in death by a son-in-law, George Priest.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at White Oak Church of the Brethren, 1211 N. Penryn Road, Manheim, on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Ministers J. Marvin Shenk , James F. Myer and Luther R. Patches officiating. Interment is in Graybills Brethren Cemetery, Penn Township. There will be a public viewing at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim on Wednesday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM and again at the church on Thursday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers please send contributions in Harlans memory to Brethren Disaster Relief, (Attn. Duane Neff) 300 East Market Street York, PA 17406.
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