Riley "Bill" Miller

Graveside services for Riley “Bill” W. Miller will be 1:00p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2014 at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, under the direction of MMS-Payne Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00a.m. until 11:30a.m., on Thursday morning at the funeral home. Bill passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the age of 92.
Riley “Bill” William Miller was born March 26, 1922 in San Gabriel, California to Riley Joel and Myrtle (Skelton) Miller. Bill was reared and educated in Arizona. Following his education, he worked on the family farm. In November of 1942, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country aboard the U.S.S. Picking during WWII. Following his discharge, Bill returned to Arizona and his family in Douglas. While living in Douglas, he met his future wife Lora Bass. The couple married on January 6, 1946 and made their first home in Douglas. Their union was blessed with a son, Rollin Joel Miller on March 18, 1948. Rollin passed away in 1968 from a tragic auto accident.
The family lived in several different states throughout the years, Arizona, Kansas and Oklahoma. Bill worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a general foreman for most of his work career. When time allowed Bill had many hobbies, fishing, flying planes and motorcycle riding. He enjoyed them all, but had to give up a few of them when he got a little older. He also loved animals especially the deer around his property, but his most favorite was his dogs.
A kind, loving husband and friend that lived life to the fullest, Bill will be missed by all who knew him. Those family members that survive include his wife and partner for 68 years, Lora; his sisters-in-law Darnetta Brown and Carol Johnson and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his son Rollin, two brothers and his brothers-in-law James Brown and King Johnson.
View and sign Bill’s online tribute at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com