William Miller Obituary

William Roger Miller Sr.

William Roger Miller Sr., 81, of Bellefontaine and formerly of Carey, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at Urbana Health and Rehabilitation Center.

William was born May 18, 1942, in Upper Sandusky, to Verlie A. 'VA" and Pearl V. (Rutter) Miller. William attended school in Marseilles and graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1961. William married Ruth Mary Dill a few weeks after graduation on June 24, 1961, at Memorial United Methodist Church. The two were inseparable and enjoyed a life full of loving memories.

William enlisted in U.S. Air Force on Nov. 27, 1961, serving his country for more than four years. While serving during The Vietnam War, he and Ruth moved to Kansas, where he specialized in the electronic and plumbing maintenance of missile silos. After an honorable discharge, William worked for A.O. Smith/ Westinghouse for 39 years in various roles and never turned down the opportunity to work overtime. On Friday nights when William came home from work, he always had a pizza from Suzie's and ice cream for the family. William retired in 2005. William was an honest and hardworking man. He led with integrity and knew nothing in life was free.

In William's free time, he could often be found with his camera in hand taking pictures at his grandchildren's sporting events, family functions, or in the backyard. He appreciated nature and was an avid gardener and continued to cultivate pine trees from his childhood home, even if the boys almost burnt them down.

William enjoyed spending time with this family. He was proud to watch his sons play sports and perform in the marching band and never missed a football game with his grandsons. He and his family would take trips across the United States to visit National Parks, War Monuments, and the beauty of the west.

William always enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He could often be found tinkering in his workshop on just about anything or on the front porch, with his trusty sidekick, Buster, watching the cars drive by. William also had a studious side. He always wanted to learn more about U.S. history especially as it related to the military and Civil War. Although William wasn't a great cook, he loved to eat. Homemade pizzas and ice cream were a must and he would never pass on a good hamburger.

William is survived by his wife, Ruth of Bellefontaine; children, William R. (Lynn) Miller Jr. of Carey, Robert L. (Jean) Miller of Toledo, Brian D. (Sabrina) Miller of Tiffin, Bruce A. (Carla) Miller of Upper Sandusky, and Brad E. (Teresa) Miller of Bellefontaine; eight grandsons, Kenneth (Stephanie) Miller, Allen (Konetta) Miller, Alex Miller, Nolan (McKenzie) Miller, Brandon (Hannah) Miller, Jason (Niviniy) Miller, Chad Miller, and Alek Miller; granddaughter, Halle Miller; eight great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Parker, Noah, Luka, Samantha, Gracelyn, McKenzie, and Thea; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons, Marcus and Dylan Miller; and siblings, Richard Miller, Lester H. Miller, Chloetta Sayre Shackleford, Lavetta Sayre, Ramona Simonis, Beverly Howard, and Bonnie Miller.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, until the time of William's funeral at 1 p.m. at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 West Findlay St., Carey. Pastor Cynthia Morrison will officiate. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Donations may be made in William's honor to The Urbana Health and Rehabilitation Center or Crossroads Hospice for the wonderful support they provided to William and his family.

Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey, is honored to serve William's family.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.