Larry Miller, longtime Augusta-area Realtor and military supporter, dies at age 77
(Editor' note: This story has been updated to include the scheduled times for Larry Miller's funeral services.)
A Realtor who worked in the Augusta area for almost 40 years has died less than two weeks after celebrating the sale of his real-estate business.
Larry Miller, who helped represent Century 21 Realty in numerous property sales throughout the area, was 77.
Noah McBride bought Century 21 Larry Miller Realty earlier this year and stood by Miller’s side Sept. 1 when a ribbon-cutting celebrated the business’ transition to Century 21 Magnolia.
“Reflecting on your life and our friendship, I couldn't put into words everything I would like to say. You are the foundation for where I am,” McBride posted on social media Sept. 13. “Four years ago, you took me under your wing and poured 37 years of experience into a broke 20-year-old. You were a mentor, a broker, but above all, a close friend. The impact you have made on me has changed my life. I pray that one day I can fill the shoes of a man that is admired by so many.”
Changing hands: Meybohm acquires Larry Miller Realty's property management division
Miller, who spent the bulk of his professional career helping people find houses, had lived in 21 houses by the time he was 18. His father, a security guard for the Tennessee Valley Authority, was stationed throughout the South to security details protecting the TVA’s numerous dams providing hydroelectric power.
Miller not only was a veteran Realtor but also a Realtor who was a veteran. After attending East Tennessee State University for two years, he joined the U.S. Army in 1966. The following year, he was attached to the 140th Military Police Company at Fort Gordon.
After his Army discharge, he worked at several jobs, including managing the shoe department at the old Sky City downtown. A job at a private vocational school inspired him to start his own business, McCall Business College. His family also ran an ice cream parlor called Scoopies next to the former Columbia Square Theater on Washington Road in Evans.
Selling both businesses in 1979, he moved into the real-estate profession and founded his own realty office just six years later. In 1986 his office began its affiliation with Century 21.
Remembering his stint in the military, Miller's community involvement included helping organize Operation Handwarmer in 2012, a nonprofit that annually sends care packages to military members posted overseas in inhospitable environments.
Miller considered real estate both his profession and his hobby. When asked about retirement by The Augusta Chronicle in 2008, he said simply, "Haven't been trained. Wouldn't know how to do it. This is what I love to do."
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Rd., Evans. The funeral will be at the same location at 11 a.m. Sept. 18.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Realtor who died at 77 loved his job and the Augusta community
