Chief Special Operations Operator Zackary Wilson Miller II, 39, born September 5, 1981 in St. Augustine, FL succumbed to his brief battle with cancer on June 4, 2021 in Virginia Beach, VA with his family, relatives and teammates by his side.

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He was assigned to a naval special warfare unit based on the east coast.

Zack spent most of his childhood in Columbus, GA and moved to Mobile, AL with his family when he was 12. He graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in 2000, where he played baseball, basketball and football; he was the captain of the football team. Zack received a scholarship to play football at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS before transferring to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2004. Zack was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

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Zack’s athleticism and leadership skills early in his life led him to enlist in the US Navy in November 2004, where he first served as an aviation officer aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). On September 1, 2007, Zack fulfilled his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL by entering Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD / S) training in Coronado, California. After 10 months of the most grueling and demanding military training, he graduated in June 2008.

Zack was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards and seven deployments. His awards include Bronze Star with Bravery and Extraordinary Heroism in a foreign combat operation.

Additional rewards include Purple Heart; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor (2); Joint Service Commendation Medal with C (combat conditions); Naval and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor (3); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Joint Service Medal with C; Joint service medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon (2); Presidential unity quote (3); Navy blue “E” ribbon; Good Conduct Medal (5); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3); World War on Terror Expeditionary Medal; World War on Terror Medal (2); World War on Terror Service Medal (2); and many other personal and unitary decorations.

Zack was known for his unparalleled work ethic that was matched only by his endless positive attitude, sense of humor, and charm.

Zack is predeceased by his grandparents Zackary Wilson Miller, Rita McKenzie Flournoy and Thomas Moffett Flournoy III, as well as by his uncle William Frank Flournoy and his aunt Kellie Jean Flournoy.

Zack is survived by his parents, his mother Kimberly Flournoy Brennan, his father William Wilson Miller, his stepfather Daniel Patrick Brennan, his brother Joseph Thomas Brennan II, his beloved Maria Gray, his grandmother Sara Sue Miller, his uncle Jimmy Dwight Hill, his aunt Helen (Terrie) Miller Hill, cousins ​​Matthew Miller Hill and Amanda Kaye Hill, step-uncles Thomas Joseph Brennan, James Patrick Brennan and Edward Francis Brennan, as well as step-aunts Joan Marie Brennan Licthenwalner, Noreen Brennan Pecsok and Rosemary Brennan Black.

Zack is also survived by his teammates, whom he considered to be brothers, and his loyal canine companion, Boone, a large Swiss mountain dog.

Zack was a devoted son, partner, friend and teammate who passed on all of his talents in his selfless service to our nation. Her legacy lives on through her immense love for all that is so dear to her.

A private memorial service will be held in Mobile, AL. Zack will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The exact date is not yet known.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the American Brain Tumor Association or the University of Virginia Neuro-Oncology Research Fund.

Condolences can be made on www.altmeyerfh.com