April 3
April 3
Mark will be remembered for his Godly example and sincere faith and love for others.
Mark Allen Miller entered the fullness of God’s presence on Saturday, April 3, 2021 in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Mark was born in Birmingham on June 30, 1948 where he worked and resided for his entire life.
Mark attended Auburn University and later transferred to the University of Montevallo, where he received his degree in History with a minor in German language.
After graduation, Mark began his lifelong ministry by opening The Sonshine Shop Christian bookstore, later renamed The Carpenter’s Shop Christian Bookstore, in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Mark operated his bookstore for 48 years, 6 days and 50+• hours a week until just days before his passing. The Carpenter’s Shop was more than a brick and mortar establishment. It was a place for prayer and worship. It was a spirit-filled environment that offered comfort and guidance to thousands of people. Mark kept a prayer room in his store and could be found worshipping with friends and even strangers at all hours of the day. He 100% devoted his life to spreading God’s love and he exemplified the definition of Christlike love.
Mark’s passing is preceded by his parents, Ralph Allen and Arlene June Miller (Smith) and his brother Chris Miller. The oldest of five children, Mark is survived by Paul Miller and Peggy Miller of Birmingham and Beverly Lauderdale of Hilton Head, SC.
If you knew Mark, you knew first-hand that his children and grandchildren were most precious to him. Mark is survived by his three sons: Andrew Allen Miller of Calera, AL; Bryan Mark Miller of Houston, TX and Peter Webster Miller of Austin TX; and his daughter Amy Elizabeth Tanner of Delray Beach, FL. His beloved grandchildren: Wilkie, Naemi, Cade, Amely, Daisy and Maggie Rose, were the loves of his life.
An avid Jeopardy watcher and formidable Scrabble opponent, Mark had a brilliant mind and a wonderful command of language. His intelligence and kindness were equally matched by his sense of humor. Sarcasm was a specialty of Mark’s and was fortunately passed down to his children and grandchildren. There was never a shortage of laughter with Mark in your presence.
Mark’s family asks that, to all who knew him, and to all whose lives were touched by his life, always remember and keep vivid memories of his generous heart and his devotion to our God Do a good deed in his honor.
Until we meet again.
John 14:27
Tributes
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April 3
April 3
Mark - been missing you! Recently I had to share about your departure with a friend who had not yet heard. This person was deeply moved. Your impact on our community has been tremendous, and continues to bless us, even today.
June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
Remembering Mark with thankfulness for the godly example he was to many.
June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
Happy 2nd heavenly Birthday to our father ❤️
April 9, 2023
April 9, 2023
I am remembering Mark as our discipleship leader at University of Montevallo. He was faithful and a true believer. I totally agree 100% with the previous post. Other leaders have the fame. But Mark had the true life reflecting Christ.
April 8, 2023
April 8, 2023
I am now almost 73.I have had a triple bypass,stroke,lymphoma,kidney cancer,spinal fusion,bipolar disorder,and having stomach surgery in 2 weeks.Mark always ask me,why did God leave you here?To know Him and make Him known is the answer.I am Mark's disciple.He inspired me to proclaim the good news and by the grace of God I have.I continue to stand on Mark's shoulders for whatever time I have.He suffered the rejection of an unfaithful wife who distoyed his family and an evangelistic organization that fired him for unjust reasons.He triumphs in eternity and though the head of that organization is a 92 year fraud Mark died the bigger man.
June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
Happy Birthday Daddy!!
April 3, 2022
April 3, 2022
Still not real…..love you with my whole heart forever Daddy. Love, AMT
April 3, 2022
April 3, 2022
Mark - Missing you! Thanks for all you did for me, and for maintaining a peaceful haven (your bookstore!) during your sojourn with us.
Rob
Rob
April 3, 2022
April 3, 2022
Remembering Mark and the genuine person he was to so many. Days at the Univ. of
Montevallo were better with Mark’s connections as he reached out to help believers/non believers.
Mark will not be forgotten!
Montevallo were better with Mark’s connections as he reached out to help believers/non believers.
Mark will not be forgotten!
March 18, 2022
March 18, 2022
Mr. Mark,
I just want to say how much you really meant to me. I love you so much and appreciate everything you shared with me here on earth. Thank you for showing the love of Jesus towards me. You are forever missed. I know your soul is resting with the Lord. Please let Jesus know I love him and will see you both on the other side soon. May your family continue to be a blessing and receive many blessings from our Lord and Savior. Love you Mr. Mark. I use to say may your business continue to grow before I left and I would always say a benediction. May the Lord keep you, May the Lord cause his face to shine upon you and then he would finish. God bless you sir! Hearts
I just want to say how much you really meant to me. I love you so much and appreciate everything you shared with me here on earth. Thank you for showing the love of Jesus towards me. You are forever missed. I know your soul is resting with the Lord. Please let Jesus know I love him and will see you both on the other side soon. May your family continue to be a blessing and receive many blessings from our Lord and Savior. Love you Mr. Mark. I use to say may your business continue to grow before I left and I would always say a benediction. May the Lord keep you, May the Lord cause his face to shine upon you and then he would finish. God bless you sir! Hearts
June 30, 2021
June 30, 2021
Thinking of the life of Mark….a true friend to many, and a sincere believer. I look forward to a reunion in heaven with the Montevallo brothers/sisters.
June 30, 2021
June 30, 2021
Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!!! You are with me every second !
May 20, 2021
May 20, 2021
I just learned of Mark's passing from a delivery person.
Mark Miller was an inspiration to many. He was always kind and helped our family through the years pick out just the right gift for any occasion.
We order our Christmas cards from him each year.
He will truly be missed. The family if so blessed to have him as a father, grandfather and we as his friend in Christ. Carol and Butch Cauthen
Mark Miller was an inspiration to many. He was always kind and helped our family through the years pick out just the right gift for any occasion.
We order our Christmas cards from him each year.
He will truly be missed. The family if so blessed to have him as a father, grandfather and we as his friend in Christ. Carol and Butch Cauthen
May 19, 2021
May 19, 2021
I was shocked to hear my dear brother Mark went to be with our Lord.He and I had a long conversation the week before he died.We kept up with each other for 52 years.He really brought me to Christ and taught me to pray and we had many long times in prayer together.We were roommates my freshman year in college.He discipled me for 3 years.He was such a loving mentor.He always called me "dear brother".He had so much joy and forgiveness even though he was mistreated by a number of so called Christian leaders.They had the reputation Mark has the life.He knew suffering but always forgave.I have known many well known godly men but Mark was in a category of his own.
April 24, 2021
April 24, 2021
I Attended Montevallo in 1969 for several years. Mark was our leader for on campus outreach. I don’t know of anyone with as much integrity, humor and positive outlook as Mark. I will always remember with fondness all that he did for us as young believers. He attended the Bible studies at Dr. and Mrs. Curtis‘s house. My love and sympathy go out to his children. I Kept in touch with Mark a little bit years later and he was still the same sincere Christian that I knew in 1969.
Sincerely,
Beverly Hoots Conway.
Sincerely,
Beverly Hoots Conway.
April 21, 2021
April 21, 2021
Mark, you have allowed so many people to feel welcomed into the family of God. As a dear friend, I can only remember and think on how often we’d joke around in your shop and laugh. I’ll never forget the initial greeting from you every time I’d come in just to visit and see you. You’d reach out, grab my shoulder and say, “Hey brother” ever so gently and hug me shortly thereafter. There is a peace that you carried that was not as the world would give you, it was the peace of Yahweh stirring within your heart. I love you, man. I’m always thinking of you, praying for your family, and for your legacy to continue.
April 10, 2021
April 10, 2021
I want to call you from my car in the driveway, because it makes it seem like you're sitting right there with me. I want to buy you something for your birthday and be excited about you getting it and then calling me to say thanks. I want to drive to Birmingham and pull up to your store, walk in and hug you until you let go. You loved me like no other person ever has or ever will. For me, that's the hardest part of you being gone. I have your old engraver on my desk at work. I really miss you Dad. I love you so much.
April 10, 2021
April 10, 2021
I love you so much Grandpa! I don't know anyone who served Jesus for their whole life, with their whole life, like you did. Thinking about you now gives me tears of joy and a full heart. We can rest joyfully knowing that you are home, celebrating with us what God has done through your life. Your life was truly not of this world, and I am so motivated to follow your footsteps and keep my eyes fixed on him to the end, just like you did.
April 9, 2021
April 9, 2021
Mark Miller gave me my first job when I was in high school. It was a summer job helping at his Christian bookstore The Carpenter's Shop in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, in 1988. It was a small store and he didn't really need help. He was giving an awkward teenager an opportunity to grow as a person. I will never forget his kindness to me.
April 7, 2021
April 7, 2021
Peter, Amy, Andy and Bryan, I was shocked and saddened to hear about your dads passing and send nothing but love and prayers your way at this time. Your dad is one person I really respected and loved and will always cherish and remember him and his close friendship. He was the real deal and a person who really lived for Christ, and he loved his family dearly. I'll never forget all the countless laughs, good memories and times I had with your dad and will always miss him!
April 7, 2021
April 7, 2021
A trip to Carpenter Shop was not a typical retail experience. It was restful, restorative, accompanied by wonderful music, and if you needed prayer, it's likely someone would sense that and offer to pray for you. Vestavia Hills was so blessed to have this resource. Mark will be missed. He made a difference in countless lives.
April 7, 2021
April 7, 2021
Dear Mark,
I loved the way the room would light up when I was around you. The warm welcome I received into your Family with open arms so I could continue loving your son, Andrew unconditionally. I will forever keep your memory alive in our hearts, and in our home. You will forever be missed and cherished! Like I promised you before I promise again to love Andrew and to take care of him forever and always! You are an incredible man, and one that will truly be missed.
Love you!
I loved the way the room would light up when I was around you. The warm welcome I received into your Family with open arms so I could continue loving your son, Andrew unconditionally. I will forever keep your memory alive in our hearts, and in our home. You will forever be missed and cherished! Like I promised you before I promise again to love Andrew and to take care of him forever and always! You are an incredible man, and one that will truly be missed.
Love you!
April 7, 2021
April 7, 2021
Hey dad. You told me that sometimes life is hard and unfair, but it doesn’t stay that way forever. Well this Is certainly one of those times. But what is different about this time is you’re not here for me to turn to. I could always count on you and you always could put my mind at ease. I can’t call you anymore or swing by to see you just because I have been missing you. But what I can do is remember the incredible relationship we shared. You saw me at my worst and you saw me at my best. You loved me Unconditionally through all those times. I will forever remember the sound of your voice and the way you would smile when I made you laugh. The wisdom you shared with me and helping me understand what life is really all about are gifts that are beyond measure. I have countless memories of our conversations and all the times we spent together. I miss you so much and Just like I’ve told you thousands of times before, I love you man.
April 6, 2021
April 6, 2021
Dear Daddy,
I am kind of at a loss for words right now.....but I have to write that you are my world. I will treasure every solitary moment we spent together and I will continue to honor you in every move I make. I love you Dad,
Amt Ditty
I am kind of at a loss for words right now.....but I have to write that you are my world. I will treasure every solitary moment we spent together and I will continue to honor you in every move I make. I love you Dad,
Amt Ditty
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
April 3
April 3
Mark will be remembered for his Godly example and sincere faith and love for others.
April 3
April 3
Mark - been missing you! Recently I had to share about your departure with a friend who had not yet heard. This person was deeply moved. Your impact on our community has been tremendous, and continues to bless us, even today.
June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
Remembering Mark with thankfulness for the godly example he was to many.
Gallery
Mark and his sense of humor.
Recent stories
Precious Spirit
August 19, 2021
I had the pleasure of dealing with Mark for the past several years selling our products to him for his bookstore The Carpenters Shop. He was a delight to work with and had such a bubbly personality. I was saddened to hear today of his passing. Heaven is richer for his arrival!
He will be greatly missed. We are praying for his family!
Darlena Brown, Abba Christian Products
He will be greatly missed. We are praying for his family!
Darlena Brown, Abba Christian Products
May 24, 2021
by Rob Hackney
We bought many books from Mark, especially in the 1990's and early 2000's during an extended time of renewal of my faith and entry into a more intimate relationship with God. Mark completely understood me and always recommended helpful and interesting books in addition to the ones that I had come into the store for. The store was always completely filled with God's peace. Though it was a small space, people would wander back and forth, and up and down the aisles, unwilling to leave God's presence that was so palpable. Mark is now absent from his body, but present with the Lord! Mark, farewell, until we meet again.
Spiritual Father
April 6, 2021
by Allie Field
My husband and I knew Mark for years. We went to visit almost every weekend and spent time with him. We would always pray together and fellowship with one another. He became like a father to us and he taught us so much about the word that we didn't know. At the same time he lived his life out of love. There was a time where we were behind on our car payment due to my husband being fired from his work and he called mark for prayer for a job to come quickly so we wouldn't be behind. Mark surprised us by sending us money for our month car payment. I remember us calling and saying we will pay you back and he said I wanted to bless you for how much you blessed me. There was another time I fell off a ladder and needed prayer and we prayed and took communion, the meal that heals, and stood on the word for my healing. And lastly was before we left he always prayed for protection and safe travels. He would call or text to make sure we made it home. Mark was such a loving man and a spiritual father to many. He for sure showed it to us.