MARION -- Billy Joe Miller, 91, of Vienna, formerly of Marion, passed away at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at his home.
Bill was born Jan. 21, 1926, in rural Marion. He was the third eldest of eight children born to Robert and Stella (Krantz) Miller.
On Feb. 11, 1953, Bill was united in marriage to Thelma Newton in Piggott, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on Dec. 10, 1990. Bill was later united in marriage to Doris (DuFour) Throgmorton on April 2, 2000, in Vienna, and she survives.
Other survivors include his children, Scarlett (Rick Warren) Miller of Marion, Bobby (his wife, Sherry) Throgmorton of Vienna and Teri Sue (her husband, Bill) Coscarelli of Paducah, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Jessie Goines, Bryan Throgmorton, Brittni Throgmorton and a special granddaughter, Cyra Coscarelli; two sisters, Juanita Nolen of Marion and Mildred Rodd of Schererville, Indiana; two brothers, Kenneth Miller and Jerry Miller, both of Marion; and special nephew, Kyle Williams of Marion; along with a host of additional nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
In addition to his first wife, Thelma, and his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene Miller and Leon Miller.
Bill was a 1944 graduate of Marion High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Asiatic/Pacific theater of operation during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
He was employed as a line clearance foreman by Central Illinois Public Service Co. (CIPS).
At the time of his passing, Bill was the oldest living member of Monitor Lodge 236 Knights of Pythias in Marion. He was of the Baptist faith.
Bill enjoyed fishing and flower gardening.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 24, in Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Burial will be in Vienna Fraternal Cemetery with military graveside honors accorded by Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 of Vienna and the Illinois National Guard burial honors detail. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, June 23, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62711-6226. (www.lungil.org)
To share a memory of Bill or leave a message of condolence for his family, visit www.baileyfh.com.
