James “Paulie” Miller Sr., 73, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C. He was born on Saturday, March 3, 1951, in Statesville to Paul M. Miller and Helen Miller Miller and grew up on West Front Street.

Paulie was of the Christian faith and was a lifelong member of Sharon Lutheran Church of Statesville. He was the owner of Miller Kawasaki, where he helped the public learn to love motorcycles. Paulie also worked at CommScope in Catawba County for 30 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who went on his last hunt just three months ago in Colorado. He had a great love of animals. Paulie raced motorcross for many years and was a world champion racer. He won five motorcross state championships in North Carolina and many in South Carolina. Paulie had a great passion for his children and grandchildren, and he loved to get together as often as possible at cookouts and restaurants.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Helen Miller; little brother, Paul Miller Jr., second wife Ginny Miller, and third wife Audrey Miller.

Those left to cherish the memories of Paulie include daughter, Yvonne Miller Mace (Paul); sons, James “Jamie” Paulie Miller Jr. (Heather) and Franklin Paul Miller (Elizabeth); daughter, Sallie Pauliena Miller; stepdaughter, Laura Pierce; 11 grandchildren, AJ Miller, Jessica Locklear, Tiffany Locklear, Rhett Miller (Rachel), Rusty Miller (Janie), Dorothy Locklear, Sammy Locklear, Paul Miller, Mary Miller, Evan Miller, and Ellie Miller; nine great-grandchildren, Dakota Payne, Turner Payne, Bradley Holtsclaw, Carson Miller, Shaylee Locklear, Jaylee Wilson, Willow Miller, Tallula Locklear, and Everett Miller; sisters, Paulette Brawley and Darlene Whittaker, and Rosie Miller; former wife and the love of his life, Judy Beckham Miller; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held Monday, February 10, 2025, at Alexander Funeral Service from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Rev. Paul Mace and Rev. Rick Miller will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, and honorary pallbearers will be lifelong best friends Fred Stikeleather and Alan Wilkie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 and ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.

The family would like to thank Dr. Li and staff and the staff at Gordon Hospice House.

Paulie professed his love for Jesus Christ and is now home in the arms of Jesus.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service. Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com.