Bushong Jr., Miller Allison

Miller Allison Bushong Jr., 78, of Blacksburg, passed away Monday, December 29, 2014 at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miller Allison Bushong, Sr. and Margaret Dyer Bushong, of Pulaski; brother, Charles Lee “Weedie” Bushong; nephew, Christopher Harman Bushong.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Caryn Neel Bushong, of Blacksburg, Va.; and his children, Miller Allison Bushong III and his fiancée, Sarah Chouinard, of Fayettville, W.Va. and Molly Anne Hayworth, of Wilmington, N.C.; their mother, Anne Rice; and his grandchildren, Martha Elliot and Owen Miller Hayworth.

He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ken and Madge Neel, of Newport, Va.; and his brothers and sisters in-law, Glenn and Holly Neel Carroll, Mike and Lisa Neel Porterfield, Scott and Donna Neel, Ben and Jenny Neel Turner; as well as wonderful nephews and nieces, Charles Lee Bushong Jr. and Angela Kennedy, of Jackson, Wyo., Mary Bushong, wife of the late Christopher Bushong, Matthew Manning, Jarod and Jordan Porterfield, Lily, Grace and Silas Turner, and Anthony Neel. Miller will be greatly missed by his dog Tux, his best friend and constant companion.

Miller attended Fork Union Military Academy in the 4th grade. He also attended Staunton Military Academy in Junior High School. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1953. Miller attended UVA for 4 years, then joined the United States Marine Corps. Entering as Private First Class, he was named outstanding member of his platoon, and also earned the Blues Award, which is awarded for outstanding character, leadership, military bearing, physical condition and marksmanship, as a result he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal out of Boot Camp in 1958.

Miller was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski where he served as an Elder and at the age of 23, he was the youngest Deacon. He also served on the pastor search committee and taught high school and adult Sunday School classes at Valley Road Presbyterian.

Miller was active in his community – being a member of the Pulaski Elks Lodge, President of the New River Valley Dealer’s Association, President of the YMCA and Pulaski Jaycees. He was awarded Outstanding Young Man and Boss of the Year by the Jaycees. He was President of the Blacksburg Rotary Club in 1990/1991 and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as President of the Blacksburg Country Club.

He was employed by Home Finance Group for 7 years as an adjuster, assistant manager, and branch manager. He and his brother “Weedie” opened Pulaski Motor Company in 1965 which was in operation for 17 years. He was very proud of the fact that he and his brother never had an argument despite running a business together.

Miller then moved to Blacksburg and went to work for Holiday Motor Corp. as General Manager for 10 years until he suffered a stroke in 1991 which forced his retirement. Even though the stroke left him with challenges, he always had a positive outlook and a smile. Miller had a dynamic personality and a passion for life.

His many hobbies included, golfing, racquetball, hiking, running, photography, reading, playing bridge, growing orchids,and listening to music. He was a talented artist, working in pastels, paint and pencil. He had an adventurous spirit that led him to learn to fly and go hunting in the Yukon. He loved life and was the most caring, supportive, and loving husband. He made everything a happy event and cherished his life.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2015 at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va, with the Rev. Tommy McDearis officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Friends and family are invited to attend a social gathering at the residence immediately following the Memorial Service. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg