William "Bill" Miller

Bill was born May 14, 1931, in Springfield, IL, the son of John and Helen Moss Miller. He married Mary Jeanette Decker on September 10, 1955, in Springfield, IL; she preceded him in death on January 23, 2019, after 63 years of marriage.

Bill graduated from Feitshans High School in 1949 and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was employed with Fiat Allis until his retirement after over 30 years of service. Bill enjoyed traveling to St. Augustine, Florida, which he and his family did yearly for 30 years, as well as camping and traveling to many other states. He particularly loved the Grand Canyon. Bill also enjoyed gardening; especially caring for flowers and growing tomatoes even though he didn’t like tomatoes. He would give them away like the generous person he was. Bill was an avid carpenter and was able to build many things, including a garage and additions to the house that he and Mary shared for 58 years. Bill was an extraordinary handyman who could fix anything, including vehicles.

He loved to talk to people and loved to tell stories. Bill was a proud American and thought the United States of America was the greatest place in the world. He always displayed American flags; they were important to him. Bill was proud of his family, he worked very tirelessly as much as he could, for them.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Miller; and two sisters, Joyce Marion and Phyllis Vincent.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Pam (Jeff Golden) Alborg of Bend, OR and Jennifer (Mike Long) Miller of Springfield; grandchildren, Tommy (Yoko) Hayes of Saitama City, Saitama Japan and Heidi Hayes of Springfield; great-grandchildren, George and Sara Matsushita-Hayes; sister, Joella (Gary) Kerber of Atlanta, GA; aunt, Midge Clemons; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 900 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County, 224 Twin Oaks Drive, Rochester, IL 62563 or a charity of the donor’s choice.