Carroll "Buddy" Ray Miller

Carroll Ray “Buddy” Miller, 72, of Joaquin, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his home in Joaquin. Visitation will be on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, TX. Funeral service will be held at 11am Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson, TX. Bro. Levi Cohorst and Bro. Stu Lowe will officiate. Interment will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery beside his beloved wife, Ruth Miller.

Born March 19, 1953, in Center, TX, Ray is the son of Calvin Miller and Shorty and Anne Lowe. His nickname “Buddy” originated when he was brought home from the hospital and was held by his sister, Geraldine Miller Bridges, who affectionately called him her “little buddy”. The name stuck ever since. Ray was a graduate of Center High School, class of 1972. After graduation, he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Navy, serving 3 years active duty during the Vietnam War and 6 years U.S. Navy reserves. After being honorably discharged with commendations, Ray attended Panola College where he earned his associates degree in 1980.

During this time, Ray met the love of his life, Ruth. The couple were married on March 20, 1981, at the parsonage of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church and had a beautiful 38 years together, filled with love, joy, and laughter. Once he graduated from college, Ray began working at Center Independent School District where he performed various jobs over his 45-year career, starting out as part of the janitorial staff before working in the transportation department as a bus driver and interacting with the students on his route, earning the admiration of those students as well as his co-workers. When he wasn’t working, Ray spent many joyful hours at the Center Senior Citizens Site visiting with his friends and playing 42.

Ray was a member of V.F.W. post 8904, where he made many friends with his fellow comrades. He also attended Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful and dedicated member for over 60 years.

Remaining to cherish Ray’s memory are his sister, Geraldine Miller Bridges of Joaquin, Texas; children, Sandra Chapman of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Sheri Basham and Jessie of Tenaha, Texas; grandchildren, Courtney Martinez and husband, Darrell of Tenaha, Texas, Jesse Basham of Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Candena and husband, Hector of Center, Texas; nieces and nephews, Janice Hughes and husband, Kevin of Joaquin, Texas, John Paul Sledge and wife, Danyel of Joaquin, Texas; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Miller; father, Calvin Miller; mother, Anne Keith Lowe; dad, Shorty Lowe; and brother-in-law, Charles Towns.