KILMARNOCK – Daniel Keith Miller passed away peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2022 at the age of 77.
Keith was born in Portsmouth, VA. on September 22, 1944. He was a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory of Music (now Shenandoah University) in 1967. He was a talented musician and loved playing the drums. He began his teaching career in 1967 as a Band Director at Poquoson High School. Upon moving to Williamsburg, Keith taught at James Blair High School and Lafayette High School. He was a freelance drummer playing jazz trio, combo, jazz rock, big bands, musicals, and shows. He played the opening of the Hampton Coliseum backing up Jack Benny and Lainie Kazan. He also played in back up bands for Bob Hope, BB King, Della Reese, Gordon MacRae and The Platters. He later was employed as a Brewing Technician at Anheuser Busch Inc., in Williamsburg. In 2008, Keith and his wife moved to Kilmarnock where he enjoyed volunteering with the young jazz musicians in the Lancaster Middle and High School Jazz Bands. He enjoyed playing his drums with several local musical groups including “The Super Jazz Band” in Yorktown, the “Northern Neck Big Band” and the Northern Neck Orchestra. When Keith wasn’t holding his drumsticks, he could be found behind the wheel of his boat “The Drumbeat”. He enjoyed fishing and cruising the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries with his family and friends.
His parents, Louis and Mary Miller; his brother, Louis O. Miller, Jr.; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins preceded Keith in death.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Beverly. He was so proud of his daughters and son in law: Jennifer (Matthew, SSG, U. S. Army) Johnston and Julie Miller (CDR, USCG); and his beautiful 4 year old granddaughter Helena. Several cousins and nephews and nieces also survive him.
A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Keith’s name to Lancaster County Middle School Band Program, ATTN Kenny Flester, 191 School Street, Kilmarnock, VA 22482 or Kilmarnock United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2095, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.