Southern Pottery

Dedication

This book is dedicated to

DAVID KENT MILLER

(1944-1975)

And his Mother

IRENE WHITEHEAD MILLER

David was a great-great grandson of Charles Frederick Decker. A brilliant scholar, an inspirational teacher and a marvel of courage to all who knew him. David was ninety percent disabled by Bulbar polio at six years of age. He breathed with great difficulty by day and was dependent on an iron lung at night. He was probably the last of the “iron lung kids”. Yet his mind outdid his body and he was researching his family history in order to co-author this book. Before the study could be completed his tenacious grip on life slipped away and the task was left to one less capable.

A visit to the Valley cemetery where he rests will find this epitaph: HE IS WALKING NOW. Irene’s courage equaled that of her son. She was his arms, his legs and much of his heart. Her devoted care and determination that he should live made his achievements possible. After finishing grade and high school he earned a degree WITH HONORS from East Tennessee State and was planning the work for a Masters.

David Miller and his mother, Irene. Mrs. Miller was named Tennessee’s Mother of the Year for 1971. David authored one of the articles in the Tennessee Conservationist November 1971. Seen in the Tennessee Conservationist. Burbage16.

 

Incised decorated pitcher with the initials F.D.H. aiI5.

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