Griffin Funeral Home May Still Be Open

There was new information Thursday about what allegedly went on inside a Griffin funeral home. State officials were frustrated after learning the facility may still be open after shutting it down last year.

The sign outside Miller's Funeral Home was still up Thursday, appearing as if the business was still open. The funeral home's license was pulled in October 2008.

"Every meeting we're having to deal with them, or something about them trying to open up elsewhere in businesses," said Lauren McDonald.

The state board of funeral service investigated the well-known establishment after allegations that its funeral director, John Roger Miller, was inappropriately handling bodies.

"Our records show Mr. Miller [was] practicing embalming without a license," said McDonald.

Court records stated, "There were also allegations that Miller placed the viscera, which is internal organs, from one body into the casket of another body."

McDonald, vice chairman of the State Board of Funeral Service, said the allegations against Miller's Funeral Home eventually prompted them to the business down.

"I think we've got photos of Mr. Miller performing funerals as funeral director," said McDonald.

McDonald said board members' hands were tied and that all they could do was shut down funeral homes. Now, it's up to local authorities and the Spalding district attorney.

"We need help. We've done everything we can. Now we're at the end of the road. The only thing we can do is let him operate illegally," said McDonald.

On Thursday afternoon, Spalding County District Attorney Scott Ballard said, "Apparently there are suspicions of illegal activity at Miller's Funeral Home. We will be meeting with state funeral board members in the next couple of weeks to investigate the matter."