Albert Earl Miller

CDR Albert Earl Miller, U.S. Navy, of Erwin, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021. He was an Erwin native and the son of the late Hobert and Amanda Watts Miller. He was a graduate of Unicoi High School and East Tennessee State College.  Call sign “Big Al” Miller joined the Navy through the Naval Aviation Cadet program and was one of the youngest ever to receive his Naval Aviator wings. Among his many significant tours during his 24 years of service were flight instructor at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi; graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Newport Rhode Island; navigator on the USS Ranger (CV-61) San Diego, CA; and a 10-month Vietnam combat tour flying with the VA-82 Marauders embarked in USS America (CV-66). During his career “Big Al” flew the Grumman E-1 Tracer airborne early warning aircraft and the Vought A-7E Corsair II light attack aircraft. CDR Miller flew from 4 aircraft carriers amassing hundreds of catapult launches and arrested landings. CDR Miller concluded his Navy career from the Pentagon, Washington D.C. while serving on the Navy Staff. After his retirement from the Navy CDR Miller applied his expertise in aviation through a successful second career with TRW/Northrup Grumman supporting the Federal Aviation Administration’s efforts to design and manage our countries’ air traffic control system.

CDR Miller is survived by his wife of 54 years Patricia Ann Miller, his daughters: Lisa Anne (Miller) Gladyszewski, Allison Leigh Miller, son-in-law, CAPT Joseph C. Gladyszewski, USN (Ret.); three grandchildren: (Jessica – 29, Jon – 27 and Joseph – 17).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Calvary Baptist Church, Erwin, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers or The Wounded Warrior Project in honor of our military veterans.   

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Miller family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Miller family.  (423) 743-1380.

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