GOSHEN -- Abram J. "A.J." Miller passed away after an extended illness on Sunday, June 27, 2010, at 11:52 p.m. at his Goshen home with his family at his side. He was 72.

He was born Feb. 17, 1938, in LaGrange, to Lee J. and Ruth (Troyer) Miller. On Dec. 12, 1996, he married Jacqueline M. "Jackie" Olmstead King in Elkhart. She survives at home.

Also surviving are son Terry L. (Shelly R.) Miller of Goshen; three brothers, David L. (Barbara) Miller of Hendersonville, Tenn., Silas J. (Grace) Miller of Portland, Ore., and John L. (Maxine) Miller of McPherson, Kan.; three sisters, Mary C. Burhenn of Lagrange, Martha E. (Loren) Hartman of Camby, Ore., and Esther L. (Ervin) Miller of Portland, Ore.; and five grandchildren. Additionally, A.J. has three stepsons, one stepdaughter, 15 stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren, all of whom live in the Michiana area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorcas Eash, brother Jim Miller and son Rick A. Miller.

A.J. founded A.J. Floor Covering of Elkhart in the late 1960s and continued to remain active in the business for moore than 40 years until just weeks before his passing. He was also a member of New Life Christian Center in Bristol, where he sat on the Elders' Board. He cherished the time he spent working with people on behalf of the church and was looked upon as a spiritual counselor. He was an avid golfer, fisherman and fan of the Chicago White Sox and, of course, Da Bears.

Friends and family may gather for a celebration of A.J.'s life on Wednesday, (June 30, 2010) from 2 to 8 p.m. at New Life Christian Center, 15685 S.R. 120, Bristol, IN 46507. Funeral services will be Thursday (July 1, 2010) at 11 a.m. at the Christian Center with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Dwight Gosser of New Life Christian Center, a close, personal friend of A.J.'s, will officiate. Burial will follow services at Little Pine Cemetery in Goshen .

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, has been assisting the family with arrangements.

At the request of A.J.'s family, memorials may be given to his wife Jackie in care of the A.J. Miller Memorial Fund.