CLARKE COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police (VSP) are investigating a crash that claimed the life of a well-known Berryville man.

According to an emailed media release from VSP Sergeant Brent W. Coffey, the incident occurred November 26, 2024.

At 8:15 a.m., a 2016 Ford F-150 was traveling west on Harry Byrd Highway when it turned left into a crossover. As the vehicle crossed the eastbound lanes near Chilly Hollow Road, the driver pulled into the path of an eastbound 2012 Ford F-150.

The driver of the 2012 Ford, a 43-year-old male from Charles Town, WV., suffered minor injuries and was transported to Winchester Medical Center for treatment. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the 2016 Ford, John Uberta Miller, Jr, 88, of Berryville, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Winchester Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

Considered by many to be a local legend, entrepreneur Miller began selling watermelons at the age of six, and went on to own Watermelon Park, an RV park and campground that hosted bluegrass, country and Americana music festivals.

According to the Watermelon Park website, Miller’s father, John Sr., bought a 300-acre farm in 1939. He and his family turned 26 acres along the Shenandoah River into a watermelon field. They then opened the Miller Fruit Stand at the intersection of Harry Byrd Highway and Chilly Hollow Road – the exact location of the recent crash.

In 1942, Miller, Sr. started the tradition of an annual Watermelon Festival that would feature a variety of old-time games and activities, plus a fiddling contest. He was known to carve up a “truck load” of watermelons and personally hand each guest a free slice.

In 1960, the park hosted what is believed to be the nation’s first bluegrass music festival. Over the years, the event hosted popular acts such as Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton & Porter Wagner, Ralph Stanley, the Carter Family, Earnest Tubb, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Lil’ Jimmy Dickens, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Marty Stewart, and many more.

The watermelon field was eventually converted into a campground, at which the younger Miller was a beloved fixture.

From the park website:

Today’s Watermelon Park is owned and operated by John U. Miller Jr. & Family. “Junior” as most folks know him, grew up and resides in the old stone house which sits upon the hilltop overlooking our beautiful park and the Shenandoah River.

Once you have met him, you will see why this country gentleman is a stranger to no one.

Mr. Miller loves hearing the laughter of children, playing and swimming, on a warm summer’s day. Try to catch him on his golf cart as he makes his rounds and he will be sure to pass along a wave and a smile!

The crash remains under investigation.