Memories of Danny

Doctor Miller was one of the nicest, most caring men that I have evermet.  I remember that I had Doctor Miller’s “American Short Story” class right before I went to take a class in England with what was then known as CCSB  –  the center for in Great Britain.  In fact, I remember telling Doctor Miller that I would probably wind up missing the last class or two of his that semester, but Doctor Miller was just a joy to have as a professor  –  that is why I said what I said about him in the Alumni Magazine  –  Doctor Miller was more interested in just teaching me while I was in class.  Doctor Miller’s class was the most interesting literature class that I took as an English Literature major, just because of Doctor Miller’s enthusiasm in presenting the subject matter and the fact that every class, no matter what, Doctor Miller showed up and was excited to be talking about what we had to learn in class that day.

     What was also so amazing was when I found out that Doctor Miller was a cousin of mine, I nearly fell over when I found out.  I remember finding out in either July or August of 2003, at a family reunion from a mutual cousin of Doctor Miller and myself  –  Sharon Hatfield  –  who had also written a book with Doctor Miller, just that year.  I remember that my response was something to the effect of “Get out of town!!  Doctor Miller is just one of the sweetest, kindest men in that department and he’s a great educator!!”

    I remember looking Doctor Miller up a few months later, when I was on campus to look some stuff up for a class that I was taking in Chase Law Library to ask Doctor Miller if he was related to a person named Ely Davis. When I asked Doctor Miller if he was related to a guy named Ely Davis, Doctor Miller said that he was related to Ely Davis and that Ely Davis was Doctor Miller’s uncle.  I was just amazed that I was even related to such a kind and caring educator, who made me want to go on with my college education, even though there were times where I got frustrated and I wanted to give up going to college.

     I wish that I could thank Doctor Miller for being the inspiration that I have to want to go on and get my Master’s Degree in English Writing.  I just wish now that I had gotten that letter of recommendation from Doctor Miller now, but like an old acquaintance of mine said to me at the memorial service reception:  “Just say that you’re a friend of Doctor Miller and you’ll be fine.”

    God speed and good night, Doctor Miller.  I hope that you know what a great inspiration that you were to all of us to become better people, Doctor Miller!