Obituaries

Kevin Demond Miller was born April 8, 1980 to Calvin Lawrence Miller and Mary Helen Miller in Helena, Arkansas. He transitioned from this earthly life to his heavenly home February 27, 2024 at Jackson North Medical Center, North Miami Beach, Florida.

Kevin confessed his hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized by his grandfather, Reverend Chester Gentry, Sr. Although he relocated with his family to Little Rock, Arkansas, he remained faithful to his home church that being St. Mary’s #1 Missionary Baptist Church, West Helena, Arkansas. He was an active member, and he sang in the church choir. While in Little Rock, he and the family would attend Second Missionary Baptist Church and King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church occasionally.

While attending Central High School, West Helena, Arkansas, Kevin met his forever sweetheart in his 10^th grade Biology Class. He finally got enough courage to approach a young lady by the name of Shonta Denise Smith with some of his winning lines, “She flunked an open book test” the other, “Is this your phone number or a number to a payphone,” and lastly, “Is that your sister,” referring to Shonta’s mother. Corney as it may be, it blossomed into a lasting union of twenty-seven years, eleven of them being united September 15, 2012 in Holy Matrimony. Affectionately known as “Big Miller,” a defensive lineman for the Cougars, #73 was teammates with Shonta’s brother Leon. Although Shonta, also known as “Little Sister,” was the only girl, her three protective brothers could not stop this union. Their friendship developed into a bond of brotherhood. Prior to marriage it was envisioned by Shonta’s grandparents at their first meeting, that Kevin would be Sister’s beloved husband, protector, provider, and father of her children; a son – Darius Demond Miller and a daughter – Kelia Imani Miller, as he often referred to as “My Gorgeous.” Although he learned of Shonta, he affectionately came to know “Shon” as they grew in sync with one another’s life views.

Kevin worked hard to provide for his family. When the opportunity came to relocate for a better quality of life he did so. At the time, blessed with his two-year old son, Darius, Kevin made a profound promise that he would one day be the “HNIC,” and yes, his proclamation had arrived titling him as “The HNIC.” With his educational foundation, graduating from Central High School – Class of 1999, continuing at Phillips County Community College, where he received a welding certificate paved the way as a start to become a Water Operator at Helena Water Company. Later relocating to Central Arkansas Water, Little Rock Arkansas. He eventually built a brand of himself and founded BM Sports Report, his own company. This allowed him to open doors for many talented athletes that may have not gotten exposure to premiere athletic programs. He provided resources and encouragement to young people of all diversities. Needless to say, he never met a stranger.

Kevin had many enjoyments in life. He loved to fish and found pleasure fishing with his wife, dad, brothers, and children. Listening to Sunday morning gospel built a strong ministry in music fostering a love for gospel artists Marvin Sapp, Greg O’Quin ‘N Joyful Noize “I Told The Storm” and Fred Hammond’s “A Closer Walk With Thee” these were his favorites but was touched by them all. He was also a Jazz enthusiast. At family functions, he was the life of the gathering, with his infectious humor and excitement for life.

Kevin was a loving husband and father. His romantic side showered Little Sister with flowers, candy, dinners, frequent date nights, and other tokens of love. He selflessly gave everything he had to his family ensuring them of his love, dedication, support, and guidance. He understood his wife’s position on certain matters but also knew how to wait patiently until she came around to see things his way. This made them the perfect team, Kevin being Little Sister’s “Star Player.”

Kevin is preceded in death by his grandparents; Johnny and Leandrew Miller, Rosie Gentry, Andrew and Eula Mae Hawkins, Sr., eight uncles; Johnny Miller, Jr., Robert Miller, Percy Miller, Lee Henry Miller, J.W. Miller, Walter Miller, Floyd Miller, Alexander Hawkins, three aunts; Lillie Miller – Moore, Glendora Miller, Diane Taylor and a twin brother; Keith Miller.

Kevin leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife; Shonta Miller, children; Darius Miller, Kelia Miller, parents; Calvin and Mary Helen Miller, Evvie Hawkins, Leon Smith, Sr., brothers; Derrick (Latunyia) Miller, Cory (Crystal) Miller, Leon Smith, Jr., Michael (Jaqinta) Hawkins, John (Demetrius) Hawkins, special brothers; Troy (Susan) Meyers, Nigel (Macheryl) Wright, Chris (Jennifer) Boyd, and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and very close friends.