Melvin Rufus Miller, a master carpenter and builder, died May 14. He was 72.

He was born Jan. 24, 1940, to Jacqueline Lanier and Melvin Rufus Miller Sr. in Philadelphia. He was the oldest male child of 10 children.

Miller was educated at Overbrook High School. He served in the United States Army and in the Reserves for eight years.

He worked as a carpenter for more than 60 years. His family said he loved his work and was meticulous in all that he did. He was a determined servant and provider, they said.

He was a member of St. Matthew’s Baptist Church for over 20 years and actively served in the kitchen, security and congregational care ministries. He was one of the first mentors in the SMBC Young Men’s Mentoring ministry (Project Manhood), and was anointed deacon in 1999. Though Miller was known as the “quiet deacon,” he beamed when he taught the youth about carpentry or the “Ms. Fix-It” classes.

He met his wife, Barbara Billups, on a cruise in 1999, where he used the Bible chapter I Corinthians 13 to witness, test and inspire her. They married on July 14, 2001.

Miller was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth Evans and Gwendolyn Ezekiel; and brothers, John and Eugene Miller.

In addition to his wife, Miller is survived by his blended family of children, Derrick, Tracey, Dwight, Christina, Lauren and Jonathan; siblings, Mildred, Ronald, William, Jackie and Richard; 10 grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

The viewing will be held 9 a.m. May 25 at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, 245 Glassboro Road Route 322, Williamstown, N.J. Services will follow at 10. Burial is private.

Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.