Saul Miller

Saul Edward Miller Sr. was born on December 15, 1930, in Memphis, Tennessee, and was the sixth of eight children to Rev. Levi and Mrs. Rutha Mae Ragsdale Miller. At the age of nine, he was baptized by his father at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he excelled as a standout basketball player, serving as team captain and earning the “All Memphis” designation. Beyond sports, Saul was also a talented musician, playing in the school band and orchestra.

His musical aspirations continued into adulthood, leading him to a professional career as a tenor saxophonist. He performed with notable jazz and blues artists, including Phineas Newborn Jr., B.B. King, John Coltrane, and Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. In addition to his musical pursuits, Saul dedicated himself to military service, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant (E9) from the U.S. Air Force. This rank is the highest an enlisted man can achieve, reflecting his significant contributions. He was awarded four Air Force Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals. Notably, he was also the only enlisted Commander in the Strategic Air Command (SAC), where he commanded the 3900 Computer Services Squadron at March Air Force Base.

After his distinguished military career, Saul worked for 25 years as the IT Director at Riverside Community Hospital. Saul was also a dedicated family man. He met and married Carrie Dell Turner in 1956 at the New Hope Baptist Church, and they shared 51 years of marriage. He was known for his innovative coaching drills, which significantly influenced his children’s athletic development, resulting in four children who played Division 1 sports. Among them, two children became Basketball Hall of Famers, and one son played Major League Baseball. His son, Saul Jr., pursued a musical career, playing saxophone with The Airmen of Note, the U.S. Air Force’s premiere jazz ensemble. Saul also faithfully served as a Deacon Chairman, Elder, and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Loveland Church for over 30 years, becoming Deacon Emeritus. He passed away on August 29, 2022, at the age of 92.