NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- John Miller, a Virginia state senator who represented part of Hampton Roads, has died. He was 68.
A Democrat, Miller was elected to the state senate in 2007, and represents the 1st District, which comprises Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News, James City County, and parts of Suffolk and York County.
I am deeply saddened by news of the death of my colleague Senator John Miller. I pray for peace and comfort for his family and friends.
— Mark Obenshain (@MarkObenshain) April 4, 2016
For more than 40 years, Miller has been involved in our community. An award winning journalist, he spent 18 years at WVEC-TV reporting on the issues facing Hampton Roads.
Funeral arrangements have been made with the Weymouth Funeral home. According to the Daily Press, Miller's funeral will be held Friday, April 8 at First Baptist Church Denbigh starting at 11 a.m.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. And instead of flowers, contributions in Miller's honor can be made to the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation or Peninsula READS.
Miller was among the panelists to participate in 13News Now's Education Town Hall last year.
No word yet on Miller's cause of death.
Many fellow lawmakers have offered their condolences on hearing news of Miller's passing.
Governor Terry McAuliffe issued the following statement on Senator Miller's passing:
Dorothy and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Senator John Miller, a moderate voice in the General Assembly, a knowledgeable lawmaker and a public servant who represented his constituents with skill and compassion. Senator Miller was a strong advocate for Virginia’s veterans and military families. A loyal friend to public schools, he took a leadership role in reforming and modernizing the Standards of Learning tests. He had a clear vision of the challenges facing Virginia, and he put forward clear goals for reaching solutions on issues ranging from climate change to redistricting reform. His many accomplishments are a testimony to his hard work and thorough attention to the needs of his district and the Commonwealth. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharron and the Miller family."
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement:
I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Senator John Miller. I knew John as a businessman and active leader in the community prior to entering public service. I’m proud to have been an early supporter of John as he ventured into politics and am even prouder to call him a friend. He will be sincerely missed. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Sharron and the Miller family.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement:
John Miller was a longtime friend and a true public servant who dedicated so much of his career to serving Virginians. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Sharron and all those in the district that he loved so much.
Hampton Mayor George Wallace commented on Sen. John Miller's passing as well:
Sen. John Miller has been a strong advocate for Hampton and the entire First District region, no matter the specific boundaries. He worked for bipartisanship and a common ground, and was highly regarded for his support of both for the environmental climate and business climate in Virginia. He served the entire state and our next generation as chairman of the Public Education Subcommittee, working toward SOL reform, literacy, and career and technical education. I will miss him personally, and the region will miss his advocacy as well.
Attorney General Mark Herring released the following statement:
The Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Senate, and most of all Sharron, Jenny, John and the Miller family have lost an extraordinary man and public servant. John brought a quiet resolve to his work on behalf of students, veterans, and all Virginians who needed someone fighting on their behalf. I will miss his friendship and his compassionate heart, and Laura and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sharron, their children, and John's many friends and colleagues.