Obituary of William J. Miller

Perkinsville / Wayland – William J. Miller, 71 years of age, passed away Friday January 19th at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born June 28th, 1946 in Wayland the son of Edward P. Sr. and Myrtle (McKenzie) Miller. He grew up in and has remained a lifelong resident of the Perkinsville area.  Bill and Rose Schalk were married September 21 1965 and together they have celebrated over 52 years of marriage.  Bill entered the United States Air Force and honorably served his country from 1965-1968 stationed at KI Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. 

Bill enjoyed many years as an over the road truck driver, traveling coast to coast and even to Alaska. His final career was as a chemical operator at ARKEMA, Inc. in Piffard, retiring in July of 2011.  Bill’s hobbies were many. He loved to play cards at least 4-5 times a week and he enjoyed going to the casino with his sister Caroline. In his younger days he enjoyed fishing, hunting and roaming the woods. He loved to walk his dogs throughout the years. Bill was a very self-sufficient man as evidenced by building his own home, servicing his own vehicles and taking care of his family. However it was Bill’s volunteering that set him apart from most.

He was a paid up for life member of the Cohocton American Legion, held several leadership positions in the Legion, and was recognized as Legionnaire of the Year; a life member of the Perkinsville Fire Dept.; and a member of the Perkinsville Rod-n-Gun Club.   His volunteer work increased upon his retirement as he became a volunteer driver for IHS, a medical transport company.  Bill was named the Volunteer of the Year in 2014 after transporting those in need more than 23,000 miles in a year!! Bill will be dearly missed by his family, friends and those he helped throughout the years.   

Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, Edward Sr. and Myrtle Miller; his brothers, Joe Miller, Edward P. Miller Jr., and Arthur Miller; his sister Myrtle Miller; and a grandson, Michael. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Rose Miller of Perkinsville; his children, April Miller of Perkinsville, Jackie (Duane) Dial of GA, Jean (Andrew) Williams of Perkinsville and Andy (Mindy) Miller of Wayland; his sister Caroline Miller of Hamlin; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend and companion, his dog Caesar.  

Bill’s funeral service will be private and at the convenience of his family at a later date this year. Memorial contributions in William J. Miller’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.