Mr. Lonnie Dent Miller, 81, of Statesville, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.            Mr. Miller was born November 25, 1933 in Iredell County and was the son of the late John Perry Miller and Cleo Benfield Miller. He was a graduate of Celeste Henkel High School, class of 1951, received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Appalachian State University in 1955, received his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of North Carolina in 1959 and in 2011, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Appalachian State University. He was passionate about Appalachian State University and served on numerous boards where he was blessed to serve as President of The Board of Directors. He was honored into the Rhododendron Society and blessed to receive the Distinguished Alumi Award.  On August 2, 1954, he was married to June Putnam Miller, who survives. He was a lifelong member of Sharon Lutheran Church.            Dent was a Teacher and Principal from 1955-1976. During this time he helped to integrate Statesville High School and what is now known as Salisbury High School. He also served as the Director of Brookwood School. He worked in the Restaurant Industry from 1976 - 1999, starting first with Mom and Pop’s, then Western Steer and later co-founding Sagebrush Steakhouse. During his tenure he was honored with Restaurateur of the Year in 1990 in North Carolina.            In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by two daughters, Robin M. Turbeville (Steve), Mary M. Rogers (Charlie), six grandchildren, Travis A. Elliott, Martin B. Turbeville, Loni K. Turbeville, Perrie Turbeville, Sara Tess Turbeville, Mary Claire Kyles, family friend, Tony F. Elliott, all former students and co-workers that he loved.            A celebration of life memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Western Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. John Kimmons officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Hall, Doug Howard, Mike Shubert, Johnny Rogers, Bill Brown, Johnny Davidson, Charles Beaty and Marty Lowe.            Memorials may be made to ASU Foundation, Dent Miller Scholarship, ASU Box 32176, Boone, NC 28608, Funds #94496 or to the Lutheran Services Carolinas, PO Box 947, Salisbury, NC 28145. Online condolences may be made to the family at
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           Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of L. Dent Miller.