Comm. Andrew S. Miller, Friend to AU, Passes Away
Former Salvation Army Commissioner Andrew S. Miller — who attended Asbury University in the early 1940s and was a long-time member of the institution’s board of trustees — was promoted to glory Wednesday morning surrounded by family and friends in Lawrenceville, Ga.
Miller, born in 1923 and a fourth-generation Salvationist, held many positions during his 47-year career in the Salvation Army and served as national commander from 1986-1989.
“Andrew S. Miller certainly left his imprint on the world, living a life of service to the Salvation Army and to Asbury University,” said Asbury University President Sandra C. Gray. “We treasure his contributions to the Kingdom. He will be missed by all who knew him, but we know Heaven is rejoicing as he has entered his eternal home.”
Known as a compelling speaker, communicator and evangelist, Miller was the guest speaker at numerous Chapel and Revival Series events at Asbury and the new, state-of-the-art Center for Communication Arts on the campus is named in his honor. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Asbury in 1986.
“We honor his memory. He was a gifted Salvation Army leader, passionate evangelist, consummate communicator, holiness exponent and faithful friend of Asbury,” said General Paul A. Rader (Ret.), a former president at Asbury. “Our hearts are with his wife and their family… three generations of whom are Asburians.”
Asbury was always special to Miller, a place he felt was truly blessed and where he experienced personal transformation. In the book “The Brengle Treasury,” Miller says:
“While attending Asbury College in 1942, I was seated in the freshman class in the second seat on the third row. One morning I noted the little brass plate designating the seat. I read it: 'In memory of Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle.' It was from that seat on March 2, 1942, that I accepted the blessing of the Holy Spirit."
Miller was nationally known for his pulpit ministry — with a priority to maintain the church’s historic connection of evangelism and social service — as well as camp meeting and special programs. He was a White House guest of President Ronald Reagan and was an usher at Robert Kennedy’s funeral, having formed a friendship with the former U.S. Attorney General while jogging on the streets of New York City. He was just as comfortable spending time assisting and preaching to those in need of help.
Miller is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mrs. Commissioner Joan Miller; daughter, Commissioner Susan (Barry) Swanson, London, England; sons, Major Andrew Miller, Jr. of Kansas City, Mo., and Envoy William Miller of Minneapolis; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Messages of condolence and prayer may be sent to Mrs. Commissioner Joan Miller, Delmar Gardens, 3100 Club Dr., Apt. 132, Lawrenceville, GA 30044-2591.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, February 11, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at the Atlanta Temple Corps, 2090 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Phone (404) 486-2800. Comissioner John Busby will be leading the meeting and Gen. Rader will bring forth the message.
