Miller’s Cabin: Sawdust and Sentiments
By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network
Morganton, NC (WNN) — Nestled beneath the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains lies a handcrafted cabin that houses a man with a unique talent. Joey Miller, a retired veteran of North Carolina’s furniture industry, spends his days in his workshop creating art out of wood.
Miller retired from CR Laine Furniture Co. Inc. in June 2023, after working there for 38 years. Before his career at CR Laine, Miller worked for various other furniture crafting shops, amassing 51 years in the industry.
“I worked 51 years from 1972, and I missed only one day,” said Miller.
The theme of his work ethic came up frequently in the conversation. Not only did Miller miss only one day of work throughout his career, but he also missed only one day of school in his 12 years attending Watauga County schools. He graduated in 1971 from Watauga High School in Boone, NC, taking a job in the furniture industry not long after.
It was through a co-worker at CR Laine that Miller grew interested in woodworking. He said a man would come to him with little wooden shoes that he hand-carved. He would ask Miller to polish them with wood finish spray.
“I sprayed a few of them and he gave me one,†Miller said. “I brought it home one day, my wife said, ‘Where’d you get that?’ I said, ‘I carved it.’ She said, ‘You did not, you couldn’t carve one of them.’ I said, ‘I bet I could.â€
Miller started with recreating the little shoes, getting the hang of carving tools before advancing to larger projects. He has been woodworking for 20 years now. After two decades of experience, he is considered an expert. He has even built two cabins by hand, including the one in Morganton.
Throughout Miller’s cabin, there is a variety of handcrafted treasures. Notably, a bench on his front porch that the wood maker fashioned out of an old truck’s tailgate. The back part of the bench was the tailgate, with the word ‘Ford’ sprawled across, embellished in red. The bottom part was an old, black, cast-iron bench with swirly designs.
The Ford bench is one of many distinctive pieces in the home. Over the mantel, inside the home, there were two handprints, one for each of his grandkids.
A common theme throughout Miller’s work was family. With pride, he showed off the motorcycle rocker toys that he made for his grandchildren. Pictures of his family decorated the walls and refrigerator.
One highlight of Miller’s woodworking career was sharing it with his grandson, Joseph Douglas, known as Jojo, born in 2004. To his family, he was known as Jojo. Douglas passed away on April 23, 2023, from fentanyl poisoning.
“He was 19; it devastated us… Me and Jojo did everything together,†said Miller, solemnly.
Douglas is the second-born child of Miller’s daughter, Lisa Marie. Allie Douglas is Miller’s oldest grandchild. She recounted a birthday celebration the family held in Joseph Douglas’s memory after his passing. A stuffed deer head rested on the wall of Miller’s cabin, wearing a sparkling party hat.
Miller said it was always his dream to go on TV with his grandson’s memory and create something special on a TV show.
“It’s still my dream, and I’m gonna do it in his name,†said Miller.
He spoke a lot about his dreams and how everything he’s ever dreamt has come true. Whether that dream is restoring old cars or marrying the love of his life. He showed off his impressive collection of vintage cars, which included his very first car.
“I still have my first car, and I’m still married to my first wife,†Miller said with a laugh and a smile.
His garage not only housed all of his cars but also some of his larger woodworking pieces. A black, leather, motorcycle-inspired couch sat under a tarp, with orange flames decorating the couch cushions and the throw pillows. Miller had fashioned all the leatherwork.
After learning how to carve wood, Miller realized he could do anything he set his mind to. He has attempted leatherwork, painting, car revitalization, metalwork, and much more. The metal gate that led to his cabin was handmade by Miller.
He had never worked with metal before, but he was inspired after seeing a gate that his friend made. He bought a plasma cutter and got to work, crafting a gate that was adorned with autumn leaves and a mountain scene. The words ‘Miller’s Cabin’ were intricately cut and placed at the top.
Miller is invested in his craft for the joy that it brings him. He makes no money off this hobby, only selling a few pieces since picking up the skill.
Instead of aiming for monetary value, Miller gifts wooden items to people he comes across. In particular, he makes tiny keychain bibles that he hands out to those he comes across.
“I make little keychain bibles. I’ve probably given a thousand away,†said Miller.
He said that he gives out the Bibles and he witnesses about God.
Whether known for his intricate woodwork, unmatchable work ethic, or the humble act of giving out Bible keychains, Miller’s legacy is one filled with resilience and artistry, building a one-of-a-kind home full of love and beauty for his family.
Article by Grace Smith – Wise News Network
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