Neal Miller

Neal Miller (born c. 1932; died July 5, 2002) was a radio deejay for WSGN-AM and the host of The Sergeant Jack Show on WBMG-42.

Miller began working in radio while he was still in high school. As one of WSGN's "Good Guys", he helped man the station's "Sky Castle" broadcast booth and cultivated a following among area teens.

In 1965 he moved to television and was tapped to host a children's show developed around airings of Dick Tracy cartoons. Sponsor Jack Caddell worked with Jefferson County Sheriff Mel Bailey to create the character of "Sergeant Jack." Miller was actually sworn in as a deputy sheriff in order to be able to wear a uniform on the show and at public appearances.

The Sergeant Jack Show outlasted all other locally-produced children's programs and continued, in diminished form, to June 1982. Afterward Miller took a sales job with the Norris Sales Company. Miller also continued to appear on radio, and sang with a gospel quartet.

Miller died from a heart attack at age 69.

References

• Hollis, Tim (October 30, 2005) "Sgt. Jack", Chapter 6 of The Magic City Kids' Shows on Birmingham Rewound