Melvin Miller

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Prior to his call as Stake President, President Miller served as Branch President of the Paxton Branch. Carlos Jones, Jr formerly served as Branch President of the Olive Branch, and Raul Campa was Stake Executive Secretary. These three men brought a great deal of wisdom, knowledge, and experience to our stake leadership and served for many years. President Miller (aka “Grandpa”) was released on 8 June 2014 after nearly 9 ½ years of valiant and faithful service. “I had the privilege of working with President Miller during his tenure as Stake President. His love for the members of our stake and his desire to serve God were apparent in all he said and did. The one thing I remember most about him was his reference to leadership being comparable to the tendency of geese to fly in V-formation. It took me a while to understand what he meant by this analogy, but I believe I have finally begun to see his wisdom and insight. It is thought that geese fly in V-formation for two reasons: (1) it conserves energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, which reduces wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. This enables the geese to fly for a much longer time before they need to stop and rest, and (2) it is easier to keep track of every bird in the group. How does this apply to President Miller’s form of leadership? Although he was always in the lead, President Miller trusted and relied on those around him to help carry the load. When he felt the need to depend on others, he knew he could rely on them to step up and fill any gaps. He was always willing to do the same if the need arose. He taught me that leadership is a shared effort and confidence and trust go a long way in being an effective leader. We all share the responsibility of watching over one another and we are all needed and significant in that effort. This analogy also taught me that when serving in a presidency, sharing the responsibility of leadership is paramount. No one can lead alone. Every member of a presidency and all those whom they have stewardship over are important, significant, and of great value. For me, President Miller’s legacy is one of compassion, kindness, wisdom, sincerity, and strength of testimony and I am ever grateful for his valiant leadership and example to me.” (Cheryl Price, April 2020) _______________________ Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf addressed an overflow crowd at the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake Center on Sunday, February 6, 2005. The meeting was to reorganize the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake. Elder Uchtdorf asked for and received a unanimous vote sustaining a new stake presidency: Melvin M. Miller, President; Carlos Jones, Jr, 1 st Counselor; and Raul Campa as 2 nd Counselor.