William C. "Bill" Miller

Prominent South Texas oilman and philanthropist, William C. "Bill" Miller, Jr. passed away April 16, 2017. Bill was born December 19, 1922 in Teague, Texas to William Clarence and Stella Neuman Miller.

He served in the Army during World War II, after which he attended the University of Houston where he graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering. After stints with Texaco and Blanco Oil Co., Bill ventured out as an independent and formed the W.C. Miller Operating Company which has successfully explored for oil & gas in South Texas for 50 years. Millwood Oil Company, a joint venture with life-long friend Bill Wood, was also a successful enterprise. Bill was proud of his membership in the Masonic Lodge and had been a Shriner since 1956. He was also a member of AIME and API.

Bill provided substantial support to Trinity University and his alma mater, the University of Houston. He received the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award in 2004 and the UH Cullen College of Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Inspired by Professor Charles V. Kirkpatrick to study petroleum engineering, Bill honored his mentor by establishing the William C. Miller Endowed Chair of Engineering at the UH Cullen College of Engineering.

Bill was a member and past officer of the Petroleum Club where he regaled fellow members with tall tales from the oil patch. He could be found having lunch daily at the club with his friend, Larry Rymal. With his passing, a large void will be left at the "round table."

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Juanita, and two brothers, Harper and Tommy Rex. He is survived by his sister, Rose Moore of Teague and brother, Kenneth of Houston. Bill is also survived by the love of his life, June Patten and her children Shannon and Stacy Patten as well as grandchildren Annie and Renee Patten. Bill will be missed by his loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to caregivers Mina, Evelyn, Maria, Susie, and Jackie for their attentive care to Bill and Heart To Heart Hospice.

Special thanks are extended to Martha, Kathy, and Lydia at the Petroleum Club for making Bill's daily lunch an enjoyable outing.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 26th from 6-8 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, with services Thursday, April 27th at noon in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel followed by internment at Fort Sam Houston at 1:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the William C. Miller Endowed Chair of Engineering at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering or the charity of your choice .