Dr. Preston Dallas Miller, Jr., age 87, of Memphis, Tennessee, peacefully passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026.
He was born September 6, 1938, in Norton, Virginia, to Dr. Preston Dallas Miller, Sr. and Cora Southerland Miller. It was there, in 1951, where he played on the first integrated Little League Baseball All-Star team.
P.D. graduated from John I. Burton High School in 1956, Davidson College in 1959, the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in 1963, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Periodontics in 1969. He served in the United States Air Force at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from 1963-1965.
Dr. Miller often said that dentistry was both his vocation and his avocation. He dedicated his career to practicing periodontics where he was considered a giant within the specialty. He was the first to present the free gingival graft as a predictable procedure for obtaining root coverage. He introduced the Miller Classification of Gingival Recession which is now universally accepted. He introduced the concept and became known as the “Father” of Periodontal Plastic Surgery. He helped develop the Miller-McIntire Prognostic Index, an evidence-based statistically validated study on periodontal prognosis that was awarded the Clinical Research Article of the Year by the American Academy of Periodontology in 2015. His legacy can be found at pdmillerswebtextbook.com, an online educational resource he created that also includes personal tributes and quotes.
He published 32 scientific papers, contributed to 4 textbooks, and lectured to over 250 dental societies both nationally and internationally.
In 1993 he was named the Outstanding Dental Alumnus of his alma mater, the Medical College of Virginia/VCU. In 1999 he received the Master Clinician Award from the American Academy of Periodontology. In 2003 he was voted the Tennessee Dentist of the Year. In 2008 he received the Outstanding (Overall) Alumnus of the Medical College of Virginia/VCU and the Presidential Award from the Southern Academy of Periodontology. In 2012 he was awarded the Gold Medal, the highest award given by the American Academy of Periodontology. In 2017 he received the Presidential Award from the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgery.
He has served as President of four major dental organizations including the Memphis Dental Society, the Tennessee Society of Periodontists, the Southern Academy of Periodontology, and the American Academy of Periodontology.
Dr. Miller was a member of Christ Methodist Church where he served as the Lay Leader, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
P.D. had a larger-than-life personality and his presence commanded attention everywhere he went. He was a dynamic and charismatic speaker who lit up the room with his amazing sense of humor and storytelling. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge at all levels ranging from answering one-on-one questions to lecturing at national and international conferences. He was devoted to his faith and dedicated to his family. Nothing made him prouder than keeping up with the accomplishments of his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Da”.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Dr. Joseph Milton Greene, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Mary Jane Greene Miller; his sisters Ann Miller Reed and Elizabeth Miller Vellines (Wick); his sisters-in-law Rebecca Jolene Greene Porter (Greg) and Sandra Lineberry Greene; his daughter Whitney Greene Miller; his son Dr. Preston Dallas Miller III (Allison); his grandchildren Madeline Elizabeth Miller, Preston Dallas Miller IV, and William Baker Miller; numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved “brother” Joe Louis Chaney; and “Sweet” Mary Carroll.
A visitation will be held at noon on Thursday, June 18, at Christ Methodist Church, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 P.M. in Wilson Chapel. In keeping with P.D.’s vibrant personality, the family requests colorful attire.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be made to the Church Health Center, Christ Methodist Church, or the Memphis Dental Society Charitable Fund which Dr. Miller established, 3445 Poplar Ave. #11, Memphis, TN 38111.