The La Follette Owls of 1953-54 featured Kenneth Smiley Miller, Number 26, along with life-long friends, Bill Ed Davis, in street clothes, and Jimmy Davis, Number 24. The team was coached by the legendary John Reynolds Woodson Brown, in coat and tie.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – His given name was Kenneth though he went through life as Smiley; Kenneth Smiley Miller. The man with the infectious smile and strong handshake passed away on Wednesday.

Smiley Miller was named to the All-State Basketball Tournament Team in 1954 following La Follette High’s magical run to the state championship game played at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym. The Owls lost their lead late and fell to Nashville West.

Following his memorable high school basketball career, Miller went on to college then returned home to coach and teach. For 31-years, he taught, coached and was school principal before becoming the school superintendent of Campbell County Schools.

“I remember interviewing him for a story on the 1954 team many years ago. He was a La Follette legend,” said former longtime La Follette Press Sports Editor Dwane Wilder.

Kenneth “Smiley” Miller was 86-years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/13/2021-3PM)

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