The passing of a legend.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of John Miller, WV News executive editor.
John has been the heart and soul of The Exponent Telegram for over 40 years. We often teased him and said that he laid the cornerstone of the newspaper building at 324 Hewes Ave. in Clarksburg.
Those of us who were fortunate enough to work with John on a daily basis affectionately referred to him as “The Legend.”
John was named WV News executive editor in 2013.
As Clarksburg Publishing evolved from just a daily newspaper (The Exponent Telegram) and a weekly newspaper (The Bridgeport News) to what is now WV News with a total of 22 publications, including The State Journal, The Weston Democrat, The Record Delta (Buckhannon), The Mountain Statesmen (Grafton), The Garrett County Republican (Oakland, Maryland), The Mineral Tribune & News (Keyser), The Preston News & Journal, The Jackson Herald & Star (Ripley), The River Cities Tribune & Register (Point Pleasant and Gallipolis, Ohio,) and most recently The Times Record (Spencer), so did John’s role and responsibilities.
John was responsible for all content (print, digital and social media). He was a visionary leader who understood the fundamental changes that have occurred and will need to continue to evolve as newspapers adapt to a changing media landscape. He led his team to adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape and the rise of artificial intelligence.
As executive editor, John was the editorial voice for the WV News Editorial Board. His historical knowledge, intellect, journalistic standards, faith and compassion for service in the interest of the public good were the basis for every editorial opinion that we published.
In addition to the daily and weekly newspapers, John also oversaw the content and development of Blue & Gold News and NCWV Life Magazine, as well as features written to honor award winners for The State Journal Generation Next and the WV News West Virginians of the Year. He also hosted the Best of Harrison and Harrison County All-Sports Awards.
John had a passion for community journalism and high school sports. He loved his role as executive editor and ensuring that WV News reported the news fairly and accurately. He was an award-winning journalist who earned our trust and respect.
The Harrison County community, North Central West Virginia and the state as a whole have lost one of its greatest all-time public servants.
John Miller left his mark on this earth. He was an advocate for youth, public education, senior citizen’s and those less fortunate than ourselves. He loved his native West Virginia and planted his roots deep.
Well done, John Miller, good and faithful servant.
You will be missed.
