William Clarence Miller

William Clarence Miller, known affectionately as Bill, was born on January 15, 1942, in Gainesville, Florida. He passed away peacefully on August 25 2024, in Copperas Cove, Texas, surrounded by his beloved family.

Bill began his distinguished career as a medical service officer in the U.S Army, a path would shape much of his professional life. It was at Walter Reed Institute of Research in 1966 that he met his lovely wife, Jane Winiarski. After serving in the Army, Bill joined the U.S. Forest Service, where he contributed to the forest product marketing lab in Princeton, West Virginia. He later re-joined the Army, dedicating his skills as a medical service officer until his retirement with the rank of Major in 1991. Following his military service, Bill transitioned into research and development for TESTCOM at Fort Cavazos (Hood).   Bill's military service earned him numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Award Forces Reserve Medal, and the Expert Field Medical Badge. These honors speak to his dedication to duty and exceptional service.

An academically accomplished individual, Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Florida, followed by a Master of Science in Forest Products Marketing from the same institution. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Public Administration from Texas State University.

Bill's personality was marked by a great sense of humor; he was a clever punster and jokester, always ready with a good "dad joke." He cherished the outdoors and spent his leisure time walking along beaches collecting shark teeth, unique stones and shells. His love for nature extended to outdoor activities such as fishing, gardening, and grilling—where he was known for making some of the best brisket. Additionally, Bill enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and card games, particularly blackjack and solitaire. An exceptional woodworker and craftsman, he created many heirloom furniture pieces for his family.

Throughout his life, Bill was deeply proud of his daughters and grandchildren, remaining an unwavering source of support and love. Bill cherished every moment spent with family, and his love for traveling, especially on cruises and to casinos, only added to the wonderful memories they created together. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jane; daughters Joan Elizabeth Miller, Catherine Lynn Boone, Suzanne Marie Hendry, and Wendy Ailene Miller Symons; grandchildren Celeste Jane Barber, Sally Victoria Symons, Lauren Jessica Hendry, AnnMarie Elizabeth Boone, John William Hendry, Meredith Nicole Hendry, and Ryan Daniel Boone; and sons-in-law Patrick James Boone, David Randall Barber, Robert Brandon Hendry, and Thomas Daniel Symons.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Ruby Ailene Morrow Miller and Homer Hubert Miller; his brother H. Jack Miller; sister Dixie Joyce Maxwell; brother Robert Miller; and grandson Branden Robert Miller.

Visitation services will be held on September 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by a Rosary Prayer Service from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel and Cremations in Copperas Cove, TX, 1614 S FM 116, Copperas Cove, TX 76522. A Mass will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1001 Georgetown Rd, Copperas Cove, TX 76522, on September 4, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM. Bill will be laid to rest during a burial service at the Veterans Cemetary in Killeen, TX, at 1:00 PM that same day. 

Bill Miller's legacy is one of love, laughter, and dedication both to his family and his country. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry ("My Brother's House") at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 107 Lyons St. Copperas Cove, Texas 76522, (254) 547-5206, https://hf-cc.org/st-vincent-de-paul-svdp, or please plant a tree in Bill's honor at https://shop.arborday.org.