Douglas Miller obit

Douglas Foster Lane Miller

1949 - 2021 

He was not on the list.

World-renowned gospel music artist Dr. Douglas Foster Lane Miller, born on New Year's Eve, 1949 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Naomi S. Miller Moore and Theodore Miller, Jr., passed away on February 5, 2021. A Grammy-nominated gospel artist, Douglas Miller wrote and recorded some of the most beloved gospel songs including, When I See Jesus, Do Not Pass Me By, Unspeakable Joy, and My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord. Douglas Miller's musical journey began at the age of eight when, without formal training, he began playing the organ at the Jefferson Memorial First Born Church of the Living God in Johnstown, PA. Soon after, Bishop Joseph McGauley, Sr. asked Douglas Miller to serve as the church's Youth Choir Director. He later founded the singing group, "The Cousins," which included his siblings and cousins. After graduating from Ferndale High School, Douglas Miller attended the University of Akron in Ohio, where his gospel music ministry propelled under the mentorship of the legendary Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Douglas Miller joined the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ and remained an active member throughout his life. Douglas Miller recorded his first gospel album in 1976 and went on to release chart-topping records, including his classic song My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord. Douglas Miller received an honorary doctorate of Christian Music Education, in 2015, from the Christian International Bible College. Douglas Miller's musical legacy transcends his extensive catalog and will continue to reach classrooms, choir lofts, orchestra pits, and band rooms across the world. The Celebration of Life will be Monday, February 15, 2021 at the First Apostolic Faith Church, 790 Easter Avenue, Akron, Ohio. Family hour beginning at 12:00 noon and the service at 1:00 p.m. Bishop Loran E. Mann of Pittsburgh, PA is eulogist. Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, this is a Private Service for family members, visiting officials and artists. EVERYONE ATTENDING IS REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. CDC guidelines on physical distancing and government restrictions on gatherings will be observed. The service will be livestreamed on: douglasmillerlegacy.com (Wellington Funeral Service, 330-329-2201)

He started his music career, in 1984, with the release of, I Still Love the Name Jesus, that was released by Atlanta International Records. This album along with five others placed on exclusively the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. He released albums with A&M Records, Light Records, Word Records, Atlanta International Records, and Rejoice Music Group.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Feb. 14, 2021.