Franklin Samuel Miller, 81, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 9:15 am October 16, 2020, at Mount Vernon Health Care Center.
Franklin was the owner and creator of Chests by Franklin. He built storage chests from worldwide woods, such as South American Purple Heart, zebrawood and many others. He designed them in camel tops and steamer flat tops. The chests were sold all over, even as far as Rome, Italy. He also built other pieces of furniture in his own design. For many years, he was in the Cedarhurst Arts and Craft Fair and won several awards such as the Purclase Award, Best of Wood, and Best of Show. He also displayed chests at the Illinois State Museum and done craft shows in other states, as well. He, alongside his wife, built and remodeled several homes in the Mount Vernon area. Franklin loved to display his beautiful works.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2020, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon. A Graveside Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Reverend Merle Fullerton officiating. Interment will follow. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
He was born May 5, 1939, in Ewing, Illinois, to the late Benjamin D. and Nellie Mae (King) Miller. Franklin married the love of his life, Mary Elaine (Fullerton) Miller on May 5, 1962, in Mount Vernon.
In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by his sisters, Mae Sink, Clyda Reininger, and infant Rhuie Miller; and brothers, Conrad Miller, Arlen Miller, and his twin, Benjamin Miller. Franklin was raised in the home of his sister, Clyda from the age of 3 years old after his parents passed.
In addition to his beloved wife, Franklin is survived by his brothers-in-law, Merle Fullerton and wife, Beverly and Morris Fullerton and wife, Sharon; sisters-in-law, Doris McMullen and husband, Steve and Phyllis Foster and husband, John; and several nieces and nephews.
