Francis Ross "Danky" Miller

Entered into eternal rest on the evening of April 25, 2012, Francis Ross "Danky" Miller, widower of Claire Marie Masterson Miller. Residence, Charleston, SC. The relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monday, April 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Rite of Committal, Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, Sunday between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 5:30 p.m.

Danky was born October 17, 1933 in Charleston, SC, the son of Alonzo R. Miller, Sr. and Gertrude Bolchoz Miller. He was educated in local Catholic Schools, graduated from Bishop England High School, St. Charles College in Catonsville, MD, St. Mary's Seminary, Bolt, MD with a degree in Philosophy, and St. Mary's Seminary and University, Bolt, MD with a degree in Theology.

After his Ordination in May, 1961, his parochial assignments between 1961-63 were with Our Lady of Peace in North Augusta, St. Paul's Church in Spartanburg, and The Cathedral of St. John Baptist, Charleston, SC.

Between 1963-1974, he was an Associate Chancellor, Notary to Diocesan Curia with faculties to dispense marriage et al., Archivist, Secretary and Master of Ceremonies to the Bishop Reh, and later to Bishop Unterkoefler, Diocesan Director of Cemeteries, and Catholic Youth.

He served on Diocesan Boards and Commissions, Liturgy, Building, Personnel, Education, Hospitals, Christian Doctrine, Chairman of the Priest Senate. He attended the founding meeting of National Association of Priests' Councils, State and local Ecumenical Councils, Racial Justice groups, Poor Peoples March, local Sanitation and Hospital strikes.

He was Chancellor of the Diocese, Director of Diocesan Finance Office, Director of Catholic Center and Bishop's Liaison to all Diocesan Department Heads and Vicar General during the Bishop's extended absences from the Diocese.

He left the ministry in 1974 and married Claire Masterson. In 1982, he and Claire bought Seithel's Florist. He was a member of SC Retail Florist Association, Southern Retail Floral Association, Rotary Club of North Charleston, and past member of EAGC. They sold Seithel's Florist in 2009.

He and Claire are survived by their children: Patricia Roth of Charleston, SC and NY, Jeanne Letizia of NY, Catherine Gouthro of Sarasota, FL and John Patterson of Marion, NC; grandchildren: Josh, Jessica, Michael and Joseph; one brother: Alonzo R. Miller, Jr. and his wife Ann of Mt. Pleasant, SC; nieces and nephews and their families. He is predeceased by his sister, Florence Horner.

In Danky's own words: "I can honestly say that I have enjoyed all the undertakings in my life. The last thirty plus years of marriage, children and grandchildren have been some of the happiest of my life".

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 888 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403.