The Rev. Charlie J. Miller died a violent death, but he lives on through a week of events each year intended to foster peace.

Next week marks the 13th anniversary of the July 8, 2003 mass murder at the Lockheed Martin plant in Meridian, where Douglas Williams shot 14 co-workers, killing six of them before committing suicide.

The week also marks the ninth year for the Reconciliation Week Celebration, created in the wake of the shootings by Rev. Miller’s family. The theme this year is “Revitalizing Community through Reconciliation.” What began as a one-day commemorative observance of the deaths by family members of Rev. Miller, who was among those fatally shot, was extended in 2008 into a weeklong celebration.

Besides Miller, others killed in the shooting were: Delois Bailey, 53, Sam Cockrell, 46, Micky Fitzgerald, 45, Lynette McCall, 47, and Thomas Willis, 57.

The injured were Brad Bynum, 29, Steve Cobb, 46, Al Collier, 49, Brenda Dubose, 55, Chuck McReynolds, 62, Henry Odom, 57, Charles Scott, 65 and Randy Wright, 55.

The goal is to promote reconciliation in distinctive ways, according to Rev. Miller’s daughter, Stacey Miller. 

“My father epitomized reconciliation, he was visible in the community and our church movement,”  Miller said. “He loved people and always wanted them to coexist in harmony. And for me personally, after he was gone I wanted to find a way to honor his life and legacy. I wanted to let people know how his life impacted me, and pass that on to others.”

The effort also includes a donation to a local charity, Miller said. A donation of $350 ws made last year to the Center for Pregnancy Choices, Miller said.

“This year we will present a gift to the Feed by Faith,” Miller said. “For the seventh year, we will also award two deserving Lauderdale County high school graduates with Rev. Charlie J. Miller Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $300 each. Those recipients are Vonyetta Hollomon, Meridian High School and Alec Marlow, Southeast Lauderdale High School.  Amanda Corey, a Meridian High School graduate, is the recipient of the Stipend Scholarship of $150.

“My father was a comforter, and the words he spoke to others when they were grieving, spoke to us then and speak to us now,” Miller said.

“He said in the midst of tragedy, trials, and tribulations life must go on, you just have to hold on to God,” Miller added. “When he passed those words took on new life and meaning in his absence. My mother has always said he was concerned about the last, the least, and the lost, that was his passion.” 

Reconciliation Week events begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Dumont Plaza with the reading of the Proclamation by Meridian Mayor Percy Bland. In addition, there will be free lemonade and music provided by New Era Baptist Church.

Other events include:

• Wednesday – Reconciliation Wednesday, churches are encouraged to emphasize reconciliation.

• Thursday – Rev. Charlie J. Miller Memorial Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. Union Station, speaker Dr. Ethel Scurlock. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students.

• Friday – Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at 7 a.m. with speaker Dr. Danny Lanier; and 10:30 a.m. Memorial Motorcycle Ride led by the Queen City Cruisers from Lockheed to Forest Lawn Cemetery.

• Saturday – Reconciliation Saturday – families are encouraged to plan outings and spend the day together.

Yellow and black bows will be displayed during the week at city and county offices.