Elder Lawrence F. Miller

Elder Lawrence Felton Miller I departed this earthly life on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lawrence was born on July 11, 1952, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Felton H. and Ruth V. Miller. He was the firstborn son and the second-born child of the ten children born to his parents. Growing up, Lawrence was affectionately called “Larry,” a nickname reserved almost exclusively for his father. In later years, only a select few lifelong childhood friends could still lovingly call him by that name.

From his earliest years, Lawrence was blessed with a warm spirit and a remarkable ability to connect with people from every walk of life. Those qualities would later become hallmarks of both his professional career and the ministry to which God called him.

Lawrence graduated from John R. Buchtel High School in 1970.

Professionally, Lawrence built a successful career in automotive sales, working at several dealerships throughout the Akron area. Through his dedication and exceptional ability to connect with people, he became a Special Finance Manager. Family and friends affectionately joked that Lawrence “could sell water to a whale.” While his gift for sales was undeniable, what truly distinguished him was his heart. He never sought to take advantage of people purchasing a vehicle; instead, he desired to help individuals and families obtain dependable transportation regardless of their financial circumstances. His compassion and genuine concern for others earned him the trust and respect of customers and coworkers alike.

Lawrence later served as a Case Manager with Community Support Services, where he continued his lifelong passion for helping people rebuild their lives. Whether in ministry or in his profession, his calling remained the same—to encourage, restore, and point people toward hope.

In 1994, Lawrence surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. From that moment forward, the Lord began to radically transform every area of his life.

Lawrence was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ at Church of the Living Word, now known as World Harvest Christian Church, by Apostle Jerome A. Parker on October 11, 2009. He successfully completed the Ministry Training Institute at World Harvest Christian Church in 2004 and later returned as an instructor, equipping others for the work of ministry. On June 13, 2015, he received a Diploma of Completion in Practical Theology from Friends University.

On July 2, 1980, Lawrence married Joyce Lorraine Harris. Together they welcomed two sons, Lawrence Felton Miller II and Lance F. Miller II.

The same grace that transformed Lawrence’s life also restored his heart as a father. He became intentional about being present, available, and invested in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His daughter, Toshaya Walker, and his sons held a special place in his heart, and he treasured every opportunity God gave him to love, encourage, and disciple his family.

As an Elder, teacher, evangelist, and faithful servant of Christ, Lawrence devoted the remainder of his life to advancing the Kingdom of God. Through prison ministry, street evangelism, outreach, discipleship, and countless personal conversations, he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel, introducing many to Jesus Christ. His unwavering commitment to the Word of God left an eternal impact on countless lives. When asked what Lawrence’s favorite Scripture was, those who knew him would simply smile and answer, “Genesis to Revelation.” Lawrence loved the entire Word of God.

Lawrence possessed an extraordinary gift for communicating with people. His wisdom and ability to connect with individuals from every walk of life made him a trusted counselor, faithful mentor, and effective witness for Christ. Those who knew him best understood that his greatest joy was seeing lives transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ and witnessing believers experience the power, presence, and infilling of the Holy Spirit.

His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. For two faithful years, every Saturday, Lawrence gathered his siblings at their mother’s house to study the Word of God. Week after week, with unwavering consistency, he opened the Scriptures, taught the truths of God’s Word, answered questions, and encouraged his family to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. One of his greatest joys was watching his siblings and family fall in love with the truth of Scripture. He believed that discipleship begins at home, and he intentionally invested in the spiritual growth of those he loved.

Lawrence’s passion for the Gospel carried him beyond the borders of the United States. Alongside the leadership of World Harvest Christian Church, he traveled to South Africa and Nigeria in February 2005 and to Panama in February 2020, continuing his commitment to proclaim Christ wherever the Lord opened a door to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Outside of ministry, Lawrence treasured spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed gathering around the card table with his brother, Cornelius, and friends, creating countless memories filled with laughter, fellowship, and friendly competition.

Lawrence was deeply grateful for the lifelong friendships he shared with Shawn Barnett, Chobert Wright, Jackie Williams, and Wayne Cox. Through the years, these friendships were marked by loyalty, brotherhood, unwavering support, and countless cherished memories. The Miller family is grateful for the enduring friendship each of these men faithfully shared with Lawrence throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Lorraine Miller; his beloved son, Lawrence Felton Miller II; and his parents, Felton H. and Ruth V. Miller.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Lance F. (Terah) Miller; his daughter, Toshaya Walker; his cherished grandchildren: Arianna Richardson, Lawrence Felton Miller III, Naija L. Miller, Na’Cai L. Miller, Lance F. Miller II, and Ashstyn J. Miller; his great-grandchildren: Harmony Miller, Heavenly Miller, Lawrence Felton Miller IV, Island Miller, and Missouri Miller.

He is also survived by his sisters, Vivian Farmer, Diane (Lenwood) Dawson, Michelle Miller, Jennifer Miller, and Yvonne (Marc) Woolridge; and brothers, Felton (Deborah) Miller, Cornelius (Anna) Miller, Anthony Miller, and Michael (LaVita) Miller.

Lawrence also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, spiritual sons and daughters, ministry partners, and dear friends whose lives were forever changed by his love, wisdom, faithful ministry, and unwavering example of the redeeming power of Jesus Christ.

Although Lawrence has finished his earthly race, the legacy he leaves behind continues. He lived to exalt Jesus Christ, preach the Gospel without compromise, disciple believers, and lead others into the transforming power and abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. His life became a living testimony that the grace of God not only forgives—it transforms. The seeds he faithfully planted through obedience will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Though his voice has been silenced on earth, the lives he touched will continue proclaiming the Gospel he so faithfully preached.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7