Dr. Mark Lyle Miller, a beloved veterinarian, distinguished veteran, and avid sportsman, was a man of deep integrity and character, remembered by friends as “the kind of guy you hope becomes your friend.” A 59-year-old White male, he spent his life building community, whether in his professional practice, his military service, or through his many friendships. The son of Mary and Bob Miller, he grew up as a "military brat" and graduated from Cullman High School in Alabama, where he was a star on the cross-country team. His summers were often spent on his family’s farm in Illinois. His commitment to service was evident early on when he joined the U.S. Army's 20th Special Forces Group of the Alabama Army National Guard, where he served for seven years and rose to the rank of Captain before his honorable discharge.
Dr. Miller's path to veterinary medicine was a testament to his dedication. He attended Auburn University, where he served as president of his class in the Alpha Psi Veterinary Fraternity. In 1987, he graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. A few days later, he married his wife, Margaret “Midge” Rountree Stockham. The couple lived in Florida for two years before returning to Alabama to establish the Cahaba Valley Animal Clinic in 1989. For decades, they worked side-by-side, creating a client-focused practice where Dr. Miller was known for his down-to-earth demeanor, dry humor, and compassionate care. He was also a founding member of the Emergency and Specialty Animal Medical Center. After retiring in 2016, he remained a cherished figure in the veterinary community.
Beyond his professional life, Mark was a devoted family man. The greatest joy of his life was his daughter, Elizabeth, born in 1993. He was immensely proud to walk her down the aisle at her wedding to her husband, Trent Coleman. After retirement, Mark split his days between his two passions: golfing and cycling. He cultivated a vibrant community of friends in both sports, spending his time in Birmingham and at his summer home in Harbor Springs, Michigan. He was known for his love of life, often taking bike rides during his lunch breaks when he was still practicing.
The evening of Wednesday, December 15, 2021, ended in tragedy. While on a bicycle ride in Leeds, Alabama, Mark was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run on U.S. 78. According to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin, another motorist witnessed the collision, immediately stopped to render aid, and called 911. First responders arrived, but the injuries Mark sustained were fatal. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office formally identified him as the victim. The vehicle that struck him fled the scene, leaving behind a profound and sudden loss.
The investigation into the hit-and-run was handled by the Leeds Police Department. In the immediate aftermath, authorities appealed to the public for any information that could help identify the driver and the vehicle involved. However, public announcements regarding specific leads, a description of the vehicle, or the identification of any persons of interest have not been made. The case has grown cold, leaving a painful void for all who knew and loved Dr. Miller.
A funeral service was held on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at the Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. In his memory, his family requested that donations be made to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Mark Miller is survived by his wife, Midge; his daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband, Trent; his parents, Bob and Mary Miller; and his sister, Robyn Miller.
The search for the person responsible for Mark Miller's death continues. As of late 2021, no arrests had been made, and the case remains an unsolved homicide. The lack of resolution compounds the grief for a family and community that lost a husband, father, son, and friend who lived his life with purpose, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to others.
