William J. Miller, Sr.

William J. Miller, Sr., age 85, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away surrounded by his family at 9:09 A.M. on Monday, April 24, 2017 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born on January 6, 1932 in Monmouth, Illinois, the only child of Charles G. and Margaret A. (Hayden) Miller. Bill attended schools in Monmouth and was a graduate of Monmouth High School with the Class of 1950. After school, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his Country aboard the USS McNair, a naval destroyer. While aboard ship, he worked as a radioman, communicating in Morse Code. After returning home from the service, Bill took up the hobby of Ham radio where he earned a article in the newspaper when communicating with a man from the North Pole. On March 3, 1957, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Quick and they enjoyed sixty wonderful years together. Bill worked as a printer at Commercial Art Press, in Monmouth, with his dad. He later purchased the business and building and worked there until 1979. Bill loved motorcycles. He rode and raced through the 1970's. He went from sportsman to pro and at one time was ranked #2 in the nation. He passed his love of racing to both of his sons. Bill visited his daughters in Wyoming in 1980 and stayed there to work in the oil fields; as shop boss, dispatching crews and tools to jobs in the booming industry. When he returned to Monmouth, he enrolled at Carl Sandburg College, earning his associates degree. Bill was valedictorian of his graduating class. He then worked for Yemm Chevrolet in Galesburg, with both of his sons, in the service department. He then went to "dealers school" with his son David, and became a dealer at the President River Boat Casino. He later became a pit boss while working there. In retirement, Bill worked with his son Bill, Jr. at his auto detailing business. Bill enjoyed remodeling and caring for his yard. In later years, he became the primary care giver for his wife Mary. In 2012, Bill was diagnosed with cancer, the beginning of a five years battle that he handled with strength and a never complaining attitude. Bill was a patriot, a visionary, and a great Dad. He is survived by his wife Mary, two daughters; Marilyn and Nancy Miller, both of Portland, OR, two sons; Bill (Shelly) Miller Jr., of Galesburg, IL, and David Miller of Monmouth, IL. Bill is preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service is planned for 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. His family plans to receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be a Warren County Memorial Park. A memorial fund is being established for the OSF St. Mary Medical Center ICU. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.