Alvin L. Miller

Alvin L. Miller, 80, of Lancaster, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his vacation cabin in Fairfield, PA on Thursday, November 15, 2018. He and his wife Pauline Rhoads Miller celebrated 53 years of marriage on September 25, 2018.Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Amos Nissly and Catherine Leakway Miller.
Following his graduation from Lampeter Strasburg High School in 1957, he immediately attended Reisch American Auction School in Mason City, Iowa.He launched his auctioneering career at the age of 18, holding his first public auction. Well versed in the auction industry, he sold everything from farms and real estate, to livestock, household goods, antiques, and heavy equipment, through public auctions throughout the area.He auctioneered on the automobile circuit, selling at numerous auto auctions, notably Manheim Auto Auction. Alvin also auctioneered for many charitable auction events that benefited Mennonite Relief and Black Rock Retreat among others. He partnered with Elvin Siegrist in 1977 to form Miller and Siegrist Auctioneers, LLC.He was a member and served on the board of the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association. Over the years, Alvin also mentored and encouraged many young auctioneers.
A pioneer in the cable television industry, starting in 1970, he owned and operated cable television systems in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina and New Hampshire, selling the businesses in 2007.
Active in his Christian faith and community, he was a member of Mellinger Mennonite Church where he served as trustee and usher, supported P.I.E. (Partner in Evangelism) in Birmingham, AL, and Steve Winfield Ministries in Harrisonburg, VA, served on the boards of Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, the board of Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, Lancaster, where he served as president, and the board of The Mix at Arbor Place, a non-denominational, non-profit faith based youth organization, Lancaster. He was a golf member of Meadia Heights Country Club, Lancaster.
Alvin received the Commission as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky, recognizing individuals for outstanding accomplishments and achievement.
His interests included flying in his airplane, traveling, listening to gospel and country music, golfing, and in later years enjoying hunting deer and elk with his friends.
Surviving him beside his wife Pauline are two children, Karen M (Jay. A.) Garber of Lancaster, Michael S. (Stephanie) Miller of Lancaster, 4 grandsons, Christopher and Jonathan Garber, Mark and Joshua Miller; a sister, Norma L. (Richard D.) Hess of Strasburg; and a brother Murray A. (Susan von der Luft) Miller of Strasburg.He was preceded in death by a sister Barbara Ann Miller.
A viewing will be held at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster PA on Sunday, November 25, 2018 from 4:00-7:00PM. A memorial service will be held at the church on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 11:00AM with Pastors Alan Miller and Leon H. Oberholtzer officiating.The family will receive friends following the service. There will be no viewing on Monday. Traditional interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Those who desire may make contributions in Alvin's memory to The Mix at Arbor Place, 520North Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.Arrangements entrusted to Murray A. Miller with Reynolds Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville, PA. To send an online note of condolence, please visit our website at reynoldsfuneralhome.net.