Our History

In 1890, Mr. Rhoden and Lee Miller (previously a traveling medicine man) opened the doors as Rhoden & Miller in downtown Malvern, Arkansas. The A-framed building housed the store until a fire engulfed the town and destroyed most of Main Street in 1898.

Lee Miller and his son, James "Colburn" Miller, reopened the drugstore a block or 2 away. It was opened under the name Lee Miller & Son. Changes have been made since then, but the location has remained the same.

After Lee's death in 1915, Colburn took over. The Great Depression caused a severe strain on the store, and Colburn's wife, Roberta, took out a promissory note to keep the store out of bankruptcy. Colburn and Roberta had three sons - James Colburn Jr. (J.C.), Robert, and Lynn. All three graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1941, 1950, and 1957 respectively. The three assumed ownership of the store after Colburn's death in 1952.

Around this time a second location, known as Miller's Pharmacy, was opened on Highland St. across from the County Hospital. A soda fountain was also added to the original downtown location, which became the source of many stories about root bear floats, nickel drinks, curb side service, and blown straws stuck in the ceiling. Some of these straws remarkably remain stuck. The soda fountain was sadly closed around 1960.

Lynn and Wanda Miller's son, Lynn "Dixon" Miller graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1982. He started working as a pharmacist the same year as a tornado destroyed the second location, Miller's Pharmacy. Dixon happened to be in the store when the tornado hit and has many stories to tell from that day.

Dixon and Dorathy Miller's daughter, Sable, graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2015. Dixon and Sable now run the store, which is still located in downtown Malvern. There are many remnants and much memorabilia from previous generations proudly displayed throughout the store today.

Meet Our Team

Dixon Miller, Pharmacist

Dixon is a fourth generation pharmacist. He graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1982. He then came to work at Miller's Drug Store with his father and uncles. He is the current owner and manager.

Sable Miller, Pharmacist

Sable is a fifth generation pharmacist. She graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2015. Like her father, she grew up in the family business and enjoys serving her hometown.

Barbara Rhodes, Pharmacy Technician

Barbara has been a vital member of the team since 1993.