I’m writing to inform you that Keith went to be with Jesus yesterday, Sunday January 22nd 2012, at 3:00 pm. Keith’s last few weeks here on earth were peaceful. He was visited by many friends and relatives whom he was always pleased to see. Andrea was holding Keith, her beloved husband of 33 years, when he drew his last breath. Keith loved you all so much and I know that he would want you to know.
Thank you for your fellowship, comments, love and prayers through this last part of Keith’s adventure here with us.
We hope to continue to post Keith’s insights and wisdom here in the future so please check back. While we grieve the loss of a great man we can rejoice in his everlasting life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 23 (The Message)
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Lord, thank you for Keith and the beautiful life he led. His transparency and authenticity were a breath of fresh air to so many of us and we are so grateful that we were able to walk through some of this adventure with him. Please cover Keith’s wife, Andrea, and his entire family with your mighty comfort and peace. We ask all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings to you all,
Jessica Lyon
Friend and Assistant
John Keith Miller—Obituary
John Keith Miller, 84, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a resident of Austin, Texas passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2012. He was born on April 19, 1927 in Tulsa, the son of Earle T. Miller and Mable Davis Miller. After graduating from Tulsa Central High School, he served in the U.S. Navy and then entered Oklahoma University, Norman, OK. In 1949, he married Mary Allen Hess. At O.U. he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and played on the O.U. Men’s basketball team. He received a B.S. in Business from O.U. in 1951. For the next decade, Miller worked in the oil exploration business in Texas and Oklahoma. He left the oil business to study theology at Berkeley Divinity School (at Yale) and Earlham School of Religion, Richmond, IN, receiving a Divinity Degree in 1964. In 1971 he earned a Master’s Degree in Psychological Counseling.
In 1962, Miller became the first director of Laity Lodge, an Ecumenical Christian retreat center in the Texas hill country. Howard E. Butt, Jr. president of the H. E. Butt Foundation and Foundations for Laity Renewal, the founder of Laity Lodge, said that Miller was known for introducing a new kind of honesty in which clergy and others were encouraged to share not only their spiritual victories, by also their spiritual struggles. “His work marked a decisive change in this element of religious culture, cutting across a broad swath of church life.” Butt concluded.
In 1965, his first book, The Taste of New Wine, which sold over one million copies, was published. He spent the rest of his life communicating hope and faith with people through his writing and speaking. All together Keith has written or co-authored 24 books on subjects including Christian living, addictions and codependence, the process of spiritual transformation, discovering and achieving one’s vocational and life dreams, devotions, and business. Other works include three DVD series, “A Hunger for Healing,” “Wrestling with Angels,” and “Write from the Heart.” His deep friendship and partnership with Bruce and Hazel Larson and many others influenced the way the Christian world understood and lived out theology. They helped establish “relational theology,” living out one’s Christian faith as an Adventure through a relationship with God that affects how one lives and relates to God and others. His commitment to the Adventure and the Story gave many others a way to know Jesus and live a life of faith.
In 1976 Keith and his wife were divorced. Several years later he married Andrea Wells who became not only his partner in life, but his partner also in ministry, writing and the Adventure. Keith continued to speak, write, and invest in the lives of those around him until the day he died. He was a passionate person who loved intensely and who wanted to reflect the light of Christ to the world. In 2009 he received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, a reflection of the mark he had made on the church. In November of 2011 he was awarded the Peacemaker’s Award for International Dialogue by the Dispute Resolution Center of Austin for his work in conflict situations in several foreign countries during the past twenty years.
He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Earle P. Miller.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Andrea Wells Miller of Oak Ridge, TN now living in Austin, and his three daughters, Leslie Williams and her husband, Stockton of Kerrville, TX, Kristin Huffman and her husband Mike of Houston, TX, and Mary-Keith Dickinson and her husband Karl of Hunt, TX. Leslie’s children include Jerre Williams and wife, Jessica, and Caroline Williams. Kristin’s children include Lizz Provence Swanson and her husband, Chris, Mark Provence and Becky Provence. Mary-Keith’s children include Mitchell Dickinson and Mary-Blair Dickinson. Keith also had five great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to one of the following: Austin Recovery, 8402 Cross Park Dr., Austin, 78754, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8314 Mesa Dr., Austin, Texas 78759, The Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028, or Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship/Light of Hope, 7132 Portland Ave. Suite 136, Richfield, MN 55423.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8314 Mesa (Steck & Mesa) Austin with a reception following the service.
i am still in a state of grief.He was and will be guiding light.
eapen mohan
I extend my sympathy to Keith’s wife & family. I just discovered Keith Miller & his writings in July of this year. Of particular interest to me was his references to our “basement” people in our life. When I read that it resonated with a dream I had in October 2010. I’m thankful I’ve gotten to know him for this short time through his writings. May God comfort all who grieve his passing but look forward to celebrating when they will see him again. God’s blessings be upon you.
During the 1970s I ran into a problem with my pastor in Apartheid South Africa due to me (a white Afrikaner) having some black friends. As a result I went to see Dr. Murray Janson, a pastor from a neighboring church, who gave me a copy of “A Taste of New Wine”. To this day I cannot tell you exactly what it was about this book that made such an impression on me, but Keith’s honesty and fresh way of looking at the problems of everyday Christians trying to live for Christ somehow got to me.
In the meantime I had moved to the USA, and about two years ago I encountered a problem with finding a safe house for a young girl with a particular set of problems, but who has given her heart to the Lord. Somehow none of the churches I had approached could or were willing to help. In my search I stumbled upon this web site, and out of sheer desperation I emailed Keith.
To my astonishment he called me a few days later at 4 a.m. in the morning (I guess he did not think about the time difference), and for about 40 minutes we had this wonderful conversation. He did not have an answer for me (I was in Seattle), but somehow the conversation cheered me up considerably. And two days later the solution came from a totally unexpected corner.
If there is only one thing I van say about Keith then it must be that he was a true instrument in the hands of the Lord. I cannot begin to say how thankful I am for his life, and for the difference he had made in mine.
Dear Andrea and family,
In some small measure I share your grief and sorrow. And we count ourselves privileged for sharing in the adventure together. Keith was what he always wanted: real, authentic, surprising, engaging, God loving, and driven to be intimate. He is now with Jesus…he has what he always wanted. May the Spirit comfort you and assure you in the days, weeks, and years ahead. Memories of Keith are precious. The lessons he helped us learn continue to bless us.
The tears are real…
Our thoughts, prayers and love are coming your way.
Monika, Christina and Family
“Its the pain of living that creates a Hunger for Healing that only God can satisfy.” Keith’s book has been the most influential I’ve read. I have been a huge fan of his since I learned of that book and read it. It has had a tremendous impact on my personal life and professional life as a counselor/therapist. I am saddened to hear of his death but God has used his life and work to reach thousands of believers who were stuck in mere religious practice and denial that life was meant to be lived victoriously. God Bless Keith Miller.
My prayers are with you Andrea and the rest of the family! Much love to you, Renee Barnett
While i feel sad to hear of keith’s passing, i also feel happy for him because he’s finally Home. his words are a source of hope for me as i journey toward making “faith” my deeply personal relationship with God…Keith, pray for us who are still waiting for our turn to go Home.
I have enjoyed Keith’s messages. He will be missed. Family is in our prayers.
God thank-you for your servant Keith. His Hunger for Healing was inspirational in my personal life and my marriage. I will miss his presence here but joyfully know he is with the giver of grace, Jesus. Lou
Hello Andrea, I’m so sorry about your loss! I love Keith so very much and was so grateful for all the time he spent with me, and the wisdom he shared. Please let me know if you need anything, and if I can assist in any way for the funeral, I’m in!
God bless you and keep you in His peace!
Ramy
Sending eternal hugs to Andrea, jessica and all Keith’s family and the part of Keith that is left in us to carry on his work, which is letting our light shine!
We enjoyed studying Taste of New Wine with our BS leader and youi were always such an inspiration to everyone.Thanks for everything and looking forward to seeing you in heaven.Marv and vi reeves
His words were always appreciated and will be missed. His family are extremely blessed.
I am very sorry for your loss.
–roger
my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family Andrea. It has been my privilege to get to know your family, even a little. It was also a privilege to get to share in Annelle’s journey, the end of this journey here on earth is such a precious thing. i am so glad you got to share the very last of it with your beloved husband. He was a great and a wise man that i shall always remember fondly. May God continue to richly bless you as you continue your journey.
Keith was one if a kind. I will charish every conversation we had about Faith, Family, are favorite sport (Basketball). I only had the privilege of knowing Keith for about two years, but the thing about Keith is once you talk him he makes you feel like he has known you your entire life. I will miss him dearly and my thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family.
Love ya Buddy!
Andrea, Kieth cared enough to have the patience to introduce me to Jesus in 1960. His witness at work [Stanolind then King-Stephenson] made me realize he had something that was genuine that I wanted and needed. I thank God for him. I’m the so called “agnostic” whom he nicknamed “Moose” because I wasn’t to nifty a basketball player. You are in Susie and my thoughts & prayers.
Andrea, I am so sorry for your loss! George and I live directly behind you… I would see Keith out jogging the neighborhood or at the gym, and he always had a smile on his face! If there is anything we can do for you please don’t hesitate to ask! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
What an extraordinary impact Keith made on this world. We are richer because of his presence. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Andrea and family.
My best,
Nancy C. Brainerd
My deepest heartfelt prayers to Keith’s family and friends, which are many! I just recently came to know the great author and kind man that Keith was and in so doing my life has been forever changed; Thank You. May the angels in heaven wrap their loving arms around you as you start the greatest journey ever with your loving father and Jesus Christ. Bless You!
Andrea and your family: I never had the honor of meeting Keith in person, but I have read all of his books and each book spoke to me. It was not because of alcoholism that led me tohis books, but life in general. His good friend Father Scott Irwin of Austin was rector St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in Longview, TX. With Keith’s awesome books and teachings we started a group called Humans Annonymous. It was based on the 12 Step program and Keith’s books. He changed my life and the lives of many others in our church. My condolences to you and your family. He was truly a wonderful man and brother in Christ. Bless you and your family. Reesie Miller Petree, RN
May angels surround him and saints welcome and may Keith gaze upon you, O Lord, face to face and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.
Andrea, May the love of every life, you and Keith touched, carry you through your grief to peace.
I was saddened to hear of Keith’s death and home going. I loved him very much and he always spoke right to my heart. I will never forget his great talks when I was an Associate Priest at St. Matthew’s in Austin. He blessed us always, never a disappointment. I loved the times my wife, Pat, and I visited with Keith an Andrea. Always a blessing to be with them. I will hold Andrea and family in my prayers. Love, John Graham
Dear Andra and Jessica:
It has been such a privilege for me to have personally met Keith and you. To have read his books has blessed me in so many ways. Because he was so always “real” and authentic, I felt from the beginning that I knew him – such a gracious soul. Such a great man of God. I will miss him, but will treasure the opportunity to have worked with him for even a short while. Looking forward now to the resurrection and an eternity where there will be no good-byes. My prayers are with you for the days ahead.
Just now viewing Keith’s photo still displayed on our office wall–smiling with my husband Bob & I–brings back sweet memories in the 80’s. Keith came to LA to help us launch our 1st Christian Recovery Conference for Overcomers Outreach, returning several more years. My cutest memory is when he stayed with us–got up in the night & made himself a peanut butter & jelly sandwich! He’s in heaven now, probably swapping jokes with Bob! His writings are such treasures! Love & prayers Andrea! Pauline
Although I never met him, after reading his Guideposts submission, I truly felt I knew him. My prayers and condolences to his family.
Andrea,
I am almost speechless and I must admit that my eyes are misty as I think of all of the ways the Keith and you impacted my life. But I met Keith when I was in seminary in the early 70s and that encournter and then subsequent encounters as his editor, his unabashed fellow traveler, and as the recipient of his ministry and friendship will warm my heart forever. The whole trajectory of my career as a book publisher was profoundly influenced by periodic conversations he and I would have about writing, editing, publishng, and the state of the faith in culture. My thoughts and prayers are with you this day and during the upcoming days of grief and remembrence. Blessings, Roy M Carlisle
Andrea, my love and prayers are with you. Keith was one of my dearest friends. I will always remember the time we spent together.
Love, Tom Fatjo
Andrea, there are few people in our lives who are refresshingly honest, transparent and open, as I believe was Jesus. Keith would disarm us all whether in front of 1000 people or sitting at the dinner table.How this world will miss his words of truth but fortunately we have the books, yes, treasured books. The angels in heaven are surely rejoicing, thanks be to God.
I am so sorrie to hear of your lost. I will miss reading his works in the Daily Guidepost and website. My prayers are with you and your family.
Donna
I learned about Keith on the internet around 2003. My husband was very depressed due to business worries. He called Keith who talked with him and comforted him. Our business did turn around and we sold a few years later. We are both retired now and enjoying life together. I enjoyed his website and his writing. May God bless Andrea and his family and friends.
My prayers go out to your family Keith, and to all those of us who knew you and loved you. May you rest in peace and rise in glory – with the total approval of your own conscience. You changed the 20th century. You were an awesome man to know and love.
Like others, Keith’s writings in the late 60’s and 70’s helped a new follower of Christ see how a person could live their life out in the working world.
As a pastor I’ve taught the adventure series to groups and they are on my list of re-reads every 3-5 years.
God bless you all at this time of grief and may our Lord’s love be showered upon you.
Rev. Alan Wilkerson
Portland, OR
Keith will be missed greatly by so many who had the good fortune to meet him and share a part of his life. I will think of him often when I am with my great-grandson Blaine Miller Lyon who is privileged to be his name-sake. Keith thanks once more for being such a wonderful mentor to my grand children, David and Jessica Lyon. Andrea thanks for sharing your life with Keith as he ministered to a hurting world. May God comfort all who loved him so dearly.
Thanks for all he did . BLESSINGS to you ALL. Faye
Our prayers are with Andrea and all of Keith’s family and friends. He crossed over in Andrea’s arms but he woke up in Jesus’ arms.
Thank you, Jessica, for letting us know. My thoughts and prayers are with Andrea, and the family. We are so grateful for the way Jesus used Keith and his words to bring such healing to so many.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you in this time of loss as well as celebration.
I worked with Keith Miller 55 years ago at Stanolind Oil Co. in Okla. City, OK. He was so loved & respected by everyone & such a pleasure to work with. He always had a smile & a good word for the day. I just had contact with him a few months ago by email after all these years. I had seen his picture in the Oklahoman because of him being the oldest attendee in an Alumni Basketball Game, so I contacted Keith. I was so happy when he answered my email & he remembered me & his days at Stanolind Oil. He went on to become such an inspiration with his ministry, his books and his life, he will be so missed in this world. My sincerest sympathy to Andrea and his family.
Thought I never met him I’m so glad God placed Keith in my life through his books and his blog. God bless his beloved family
I cherish the converssation I got to
have with Keith and you Andrea… I will surely miss him and I hope that you will be able to feel God’s abundant love carrying you thru this time of grief Andrea…
We will all have another angel
watching over us now and carrying
on a meeting in the sky … I bet
Hank is really glad to have a fellow
Bridge to Shore member helping with the meetings up there now.
You and the family will be in my prayers…
God Bless
karen “muleskinner”
A marvelous man of God and a great mind which shared so many truths with countless searchers. He will be missed, but now immeasurably blessed in his Heavenly Home! “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Rev. 14:13 (NKJV)
Keith’s writings in the 1960s changed my life greatly, giving me a new take on how the faith may be lived. I will always be grateful.
R. Evans
I had always hoped to meet Keith and was consistently impressed with his insight and writings. “The Edge of Adventure” changed my life and introduced me to his weekly blog. I still look forward to meeting Keith in the future eternal and wish him the most celebratory reception upon the shores of paradise. My love to his family and friends; you were so fortunate to have a God-knowing man in your midst. My warmest regards to you. With love in Christ,
-Kazarian K-Zar
My thoughts and prayers are with Keith’s family and friends. As a long time Daily Guideposts reader, I’ve been blessed by Keith’s devotionals. He will be missed on earth, but I can imagine the joy on his face when he saw Jesus.
I discovered Keith Miller’s online ministry after reading his writings in Daily Guideposts only recently and was greatly saddened to learn of his terminal illness. I have been watching in the newspaper for news of him but this is a much kinder way of learning of his passing and also that it was a kind and peaceful one. Thank you. His physical self is gone but his presence is sure to be felt always.
I always enjoyed his writings. Keith has touched so many lives over the years, and he will be greatly missed. He had such wisdom, God Bless his family and all who loved him!
Thank you Keith Miller for your helpful, beautiful messages over the years.
With love and gratitude,
Betty, Kyle and Matt Gay
Dear Andrea, God’s reichest blessings to you. We will all miss him, but he will live as long as I do in my heart and in my memory. I swear I can still feel his hugs. God’s love is bigger than all of us. Jim
My hugs and prayers go out to all of Keith’s family and friends.
Keith’s great wisdom and gifts of sharing it has touched countless lives, including mine. He first crossed my path at Riverbend and made an immediate impact on my life.
To visit and learn from him at the Wizard Academy was always a highlight of my experience.
This passing is so wonderful for him, a loss for the world and just plain lousy for those dear to him.
Barbara