1940
Billy
2020
Billy Joe Miller
August 23, 1940 — September 30, 2020
When Billy Joe Miller, 80, was welcomed home Wednesday, September 30, 2020, the world lost a gentle man - the kindest to ever walk the earth. He left this life as quietly and humbly as he lived, completely unaware of how meaningful his presence was to all who knew and loved him. It was impossible to know him without loving him. He was genuine, selfless and without guile.
Bill entered this life in Pendleton, IN, August 23, 1940, the youngest of eight children born to Herman Dale and Marietta A. (Patterson) Miller. His family was his greatest joy and strength, and he reveled in being a part of such a large one. His brothers were his best friends and he loved nothing better than to have a car project, a tall tale or two, and a beer to share with them in their ol' Patesville garage (Mechanicsburg).
Family was everything and his indelible memories stayed with him until his final days. He might forget a detail here and there, but one thing he never confused was his immense knowledge of classic cars. They were his passion. Every precious, long-held memory remained intertwined with a car. His greatest story to tell was how Ol' Gray, his unrestored 1960 Impala, came into his life. He told his daughters that the day they were born was his best day ever, but we know better.
When asked what he would have done different with his life if he had not worked at Delco Remy, he responded as if that was the most absurd question he ever heard. His dream job was getting paid to play with cars. Even getting drafted to serve with D Co 14th Battalion 4th Brigade in Korea he identified as a windfall. He lived his best life in simplicity, filled with private gratitude. And we feel the same sense of gratitude for having had this simple man in our lives.
Preceding him in death are his parents, siblings: Marvin, Marvetta Lillian Lohrey, Fredrick, Everett, Donald, Jerry and Larry, and his wife of 31 years, Madeline (Taylor) Miller.
He is survived and cherished by daughters, Jodi O'Neal (Chris), of Shongaloo, La., Toni Bailey, of Middletown, Ind., extra daughter Robin (Wilson) Krathwohl, step-sons; Michael Hamm (Motoko) and David Hamm (Jodi); Grandchildren: Kristin Saddler, Bree Berridge, Kara O'Neal, Kayla O'Neal, Luke Hamm, Dylan Hamm, Sage Hamm and SaiAnn Hamm; Great-grandchildren: Azalee, Carlos, Ruthielynn and Westlyn; a host of nephews and nieces and his personal angels: Heartland Hospice, Rachel Hughes, Laura Delon Stephens, Morgan Huff, Dawn Davis, Douglas Davis, Ron Miller, Teri Whistler and Alan Brown.
Bill requested no public services. He is memorialized in Miller Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Middletown Fall Creek Community Food Pantry 985 Beechwood Ave. Middletown, IN 47356 (765) 354-4461.
Arrangements: Indiana Funeral Care
Bill entered this life in Pendleton, IN, August 23, 1940, the youngest of eight children born to Herman Dale and Marietta A. (Patterson) Miller. His family was his greatest joy and strength, and he reveled in being a part of such a large one. His brothers were his best friends and he loved nothing better than to have a car project, a tall tale or two, and a beer to share with them in their ol' Patesville garage (Mechanicsburg).
Family was everything and his indelible memories stayed with him until his final days. He might forget a detail here and there, but one thing he never confused was his immense knowledge of classic cars. They were his passion. Every precious, long-held memory remained intertwined with a car. His greatest story to tell was how Ol' Gray, his unrestored 1960 Impala, came into his life. He told his daughters that the day they were born was his best day ever, but we know better.
When asked what he would have done different with his life if he had not worked at Delco Remy, he responded as if that was the most absurd question he ever heard. His dream job was getting paid to play with cars. Even getting drafted to serve with D Co 14th Battalion 4th Brigade in Korea he identified as a windfall. He lived his best life in simplicity, filled with private gratitude. And we feel the same sense of gratitude for having had this simple man in our lives.
Preceding him in death are his parents, siblings: Marvin, Marvetta Lillian Lohrey, Fredrick, Everett, Donald, Jerry and Larry, and his wife of 31 years, Madeline (Taylor) Miller.
He is survived and cherished by daughters, Jodi O'Neal (Chris), of Shongaloo, La., Toni Bailey, of Middletown, Ind., extra daughter Robin (Wilson) Krathwohl, step-sons; Michael Hamm (Motoko) and David Hamm (Jodi); Grandchildren: Kristin Saddler, Bree Berridge, Kara O'Neal, Kayla O'Neal, Luke Hamm, Dylan Hamm, Sage Hamm and SaiAnn Hamm; Great-grandchildren: Azalee, Carlos, Ruthielynn and Westlyn; a host of nephews and nieces and his personal angels: Heartland Hospice, Rachel Hughes, Laura Delon Stephens, Morgan Huff, Dawn Davis, Douglas Davis, Ron Miller, Teri Whistler and Alan Brown.
Bill requested no public services. He is memorialized in Miller Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Middletown Fall Creek Community Food Pantry 985 Beechwood Ave. Middletown, IN 47356 (765) 354-4461.
Arrangements: Indiana Funeral Care
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