Alan Keith “AK” Miller, 65, of Morehead City, NC, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026.

A memorial service to celebrate AK’s life will be held at 11: a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Nelson Hopkins. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website.

AK was born on February 8, 1961, in Tacoma, Washington, to the late Kenneth and Roberta Miller.

AK served four years in the United States Marine Corps, leading into a distinguished 25-year career with the Atlantic Beach Police Department. His service to both his country and his community reflected his strong sense of duty, integrity, and leadership. AK further protected his community by developing Carteret County’s first Special Response Team. He spent many hours training with the team to ensure they were prepared to provide a strong and swift tactical response.

AK also shared his knowledge and passion for law enforcement as an instructor in the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Carteret Community College from the early 1990s through 2020, where he was widely respected as a skilled firearms instructor and gunsmith.

In recognition of his extraordinary service, AK was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2010, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian awards, presented by the Governor. In tribute to his lasting impact on the Town of Atlantic Beach, January 22 has been proclaimed “AK Miller Day” since 2010.

AK loved all things outdoors. His eyes lit up at any opportunity to go hunting or fishing with his family and closest friends. AK and Donna spent many days rock crawling in “Papa’s Red Jeep” at Jeep Jamborees across multiple states. After his mother’s passing, he took great pride in restoring her 1985 Monte Carlo, taking every opportunity to ride the grandkids around in “PaPa’s Chick Magnet,” tires squealing.

AK and Greg enjoyed traveling for competitive shooting, spending many hours in Greg’s garage loading their own ammunition where the Evan Williams and Appletini’s sometimes impacted oversight of the precision “manufacturing line,” staffed by Keith, Nina, and whatever neighborhood kid wandered in.

Above all, AK found his greatest happiness in being with his family. He treasured time with all of them, but this gentle giant held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and made sure their every need and want was taken care of. His favorite title was PaPa, and he loved to brag on each of their accomplishments. He lit up when Noah accepted his offer to play football at Barton, loved sitting on the sidelines cheering on Gage in football and basketball, and even made the long walk down the Atlantic Beach boardwalk to watch Cora May play beach volleyball. PaPa proudly claimed the best birthday present he ever received was his great-granddaughter Everleigh, who was born on his birthday in 2021.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 47 years, Donna Ray Ditto Miller; children, Donald Keith Miller (Rebecca) of Mill Creek, NC, and Nina Marie Miller (Jeremiah Wickersham) of Newport, NC; sister, Cynthia Keasler (Donald) of Trion, GA; brothers, Mike Miller (Jennifer) of Cypress, TX, and Brian Miller (Laura) of Hurst, TX; grandchildren, Kaleigh Wickersham, Noah Miller, Gage Miller, and Cora Wickersham; great-granddaughter, Everleigh Melton; numerous loving nieces and nephews; and many more children who quickly adopted AK as their PaPa. He is also survived by his “special friends” Joe Rufra, Chris Buckland, Brooks Pace, and Dave Dietzler.

In addition to his parents, AK was preceded in death by his “extra special friends,” Greg Hughes and Hugh Flynn, who most certainly welcomed him with a fishing pole and a Styrofoam cup.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of AK to the CPM Billfish Tournament, a cause that AK supported greatly. Donations can be made online at https://shop.cpmbillfish.com/products/donate or by mailing checks to 4915 Arendell Street, Suite J PMB 104, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.