Losing someone you love is a heavy, disorienting fog. In Selma, Alabama, when that fog rolls in, a lot of folks instinctively think of one name: Miller’s. But here is the thing. If you just search for "Miller's Funeral Services Selma AL," you might actually be looking for Randall Miller Funeral Service, Inc. Names matter. Especially in a town like Selma where history isn't just in the textbooks; it’s baked into the very asphalt of St. Phillips Street.
People get confused because "Miller" is a legacy name around here. It’s been synonymous with dignity since the 1940s. But if you're standing in a kitchen with a family member who just passed, you don't care about the history books. You care about who is going to pick up the phone at 3:00 AM. You care about who will treat your grandmother with the same reverence they’d show their own kin.
The Real Story Behind the Name
Honestly, the history of this place is kinda wild. It didn't start as a massive corporation. It started as a dream by Ben J. Miller back in 1946. Imagine Selma in '46—a completely different world. Ben was already a local fixture because he ran a restaurant. He teamed up with a guy named Griffin to start Miller’s and Griffin Funeral Home.
By 1958, Ben took the reins solo. He brought in his son, Randall J. Miller. That’s when it became the "Miller’s Funeral Service" name that many old-timers still use today.
They moved around a bit.
First, they were on Franklin and Alabama avenues.
Then Voeglin and Franklin.
Finally, in 1975, they built the spot everyone knows now at 608 St. Phillip Street.
It wasn't until 1997 that it officially incorporated as Randall Miller Funeral Service, Inc. So, if you're looking for "Miller's," you've found the right bloodline, just under a slightly more formal banner. Today, Randall and his wife Betty keep the wheels turning.
Why This Place Is Actually Different
In a world where big hedge funds are quietly buying up family-owned funeral homes, Selma has managed to keep its roots. This is still a Black-owned and operated pillar of the community. That matters. It matters because they understand the specific traditions of a Selma homegoing service.
It’s not just about a casket and a hearse.
I’ve seen how they handle things. It’s about the details—the way the programs are printed, the way the "pre-planning" office across the street handles the paperwork so a grieving widow doesn't have to.
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Modern Upgrades You Might Not Know About
In 2018, they did something pretty big for a local home. They added their own crematorium. Before that, a lot of places had to outsource that. Now, if you choose cremation, your loved one stays under their roof the whole time.
Then in 2021, they expanded again.
Across the street.
New building.
It houses the headstone offices and a casket showroom that doesn't feel like a creepy basement.
And let’s talk about Miller’s Memorial Garden. This is a big deal. In 2022, they opened a 10-acre cemetery on Hooper Drive. It used to be the site of the old Miller lumber yard. It’s basically full-circle history. Instead of building houses or a strip mall, they turned the family land into a final resting place for the community.
What Does it Actually Cost?
Nobody likes talking about the money. But you've got to. Death is expensive, and being "kinda" sure about the price isn't good enough.
Generally speaking, you’re looking at a few different tiers here. A traditional full-service burial—the whole nine yards with the viewing, the service, and the burial—usually sits around $8,700 to $9,000 depending on the casket you pick.
If you're looking for a full-service cremation (where you still have a funeral service but skip the traditional burial), it’s closer to $6,300.
For folks who are on a tight budget or just want something simple, they offer direct cremation. That's usually under $1,000. It’s important to know that these prices aren't set in stone because every family wants something a little different, but it gives you a ballpark.
Beyond the Service: The "Extra" Stuff
One thing that really stands out with the Miller family is how they’ve adapted to the digital age. They aren't just stuck in 1975.
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- Online Memorials: They set up these digital pages where people from out of town can light "virtual candles" and post photos. For a town like Selma, where a lot of kids move away to Birmingham or Atlanta, this is huge.
- Tribute Videos: They take your old Polaroids and digital shots and turn them into a produced video.
- Grief Support: They actually offer a year of weekly grief messages. It’s a small thing, but honestly, the hardest part of losing someone isn't the week of the funeral. It’s three months later when the house is quiet and the flowers have died.
Handling the Logistics in Selma
If you are currently trying to coordinate a service at 608 St. Phillip Street, there are a few practical things you should know.
The office is generally open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. That’s a long window. Most funeral homes close up shop at 5:00 PM and leave you with an answering service. Here, they seem to stay accessible.
When you go in, you'll likely deal with Eric, Ms. Ruby, or Mr. Marlo. These are names that show up constantly in community reviews. They’ve been known to drive to the Amtrak station to pick up family members coming in from out of state. That’s not "corporate" service; that’s just being a good neighbor.
Practical Steps to Take Now
If you are looking for Miller’s Funeral Services in Selma AL because you have an immediate need, stop scrolling and call them. Websites are great, but in this business, a voice on the phone is better.
First, gather the vitals. You’ll need the person’s Social Security number, their parents' names (including the mother's maiden name), and their level of education for the death certificate.
Second, check for a "pre-need" plan. Randall Miller’s keeps extensive records. There is a decent chance your loved one might have already paid into a plan years ago.
Third, decide on the "where." Do you want the service at their chapel on St. Phillip Street, or at a local church? They coordinate with almost every congregation in Dallas County.
Finally, think about the cemetery. If you don't have a family plot at New Live Oak or Fairlawn, ask about the new Miller’s Memorial Garden. It’s one of the few places in town where you can still get side-by-side plots for a whole family without a decade-long waitlist.
Planning a funeral is never easy, but knowing the difference between a name on a sign and the people behind the desk makes it a little more bearable. Randall and Betty Miller have kept that legacy alive for decades, and they don't seem to be slowing down.