North Lenoir holds special ceremony for Rylee Miller

The family of North Lenoir’s Rylee Miller received a framed jersey during a ceremony Saturday before the Hawks’ game against Havelock. Miller, who would’ve been a sophomore this season, was killed in a car accident in August. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

LA GRANGE — Rylee Miller will forever be in the hearts of the North Lenoir High School community.

Before Saturday's non-conference contest against Havelock, Hawks baseball coach Jackson Massey gave Miller's family a framed jersey in a ceremony to honor his life. Miller, 15, was killed in a car accident in August.

Massey said while the circumstances were rough, but he was thankful to see Miller’s family.

"We felt this was a great way to honor Rylee and honor them," Massey said. "The guys enjoyed his company when he came around and this was probably his favorite place to be other than racing. We had some great moments with Rylee and wanted to do something for him."

Tiffany Miller, Rylee's mother, said the family was truly appreciative of the gesture.

"The North Lenoir community has been amazing to us," she said. "They wanted to show how much they cared and showed a lot of generosity, which meant so much."

Jason Miller, Rylee's father, shared similar sentiments.

"We couldn't ask for a better group of coaches and players," he said. "Family members of the players reached out to see if we needed anything and stay in contact to this day. When they talk about being a North Lenoir family, they meant it."

Walker Miller, Rylee's younger brother, is a sixth-grader at Frink Middle School and said he appreciated his older sibling being a mentor.

"He had a big impact on me and helped me a lot," Miller said. "He showed me how much commitment goes into (baseball)."

Rylee Miller's teammates shared good memories of him. North Lenoir sophomore Brett Thompson said he was a joy to play with.

"He was a great friend and someone who was always there for you," Thompson said.

Hawks sophomore Thomas Hill felt the same way.

"He was a good kid and worked hard," Hill said. "He was just fun to hang around."

The Hawks won over the Rams 5-4 on a walkoff in the bottom of the eighth, courtesy of a Jayden Gatling infield single.