Billie “Bill” W. Miller, 96, of Belle, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at Stonebridge of Owensville.
He was born Nov. 8, 1927, a son to the late Marcellus (Cell) M. and Sophia “Sophie” (Phelps) Miller in Triumph, near College Hill. He was one of 11 children.
He was united in marriage to Mary F. Thompson, June 13, 1953, in Salem, Ark. She preceded him in death July 5, 1999.
When Bill was 7, his mother passed away and he was raised by his father and sisters in the Belle area. It was a hard life growing up, but they made it work and when he got older, he moved to St. Louis where he served as a firefighter in Affton for 37 years. Bill rose to the rank of Captain and was the Deputy Chief for a time. He bought a new Pontiac every three years. Usually something bright in color. Bill moved back to Belle in 2003 where he attended the First Baptist Church and loved going to his grandchildren’s events as well as the local sporting events and the Belle Fair, for which he was the Grand Marshall in 2018. Bill was a big part of clearing Belle City Park and making room for the ballfield and other expansions as well as helping start up the Bland fireworks show and tractor pulls. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening and taking at least three long trips a year on vacation. Many times, with the whole family. Bill was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and NASCAR fan, and you could find him singing karaoke at local places just about any weekend. He loved visiting with people and never met a stranger in his life. Uncle Bill, as many called him, will be missed tremendously by his community, his family, and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bill was preceded in death by parents, his wife, and eight siblings. Bill is survived by daughter, Christie Stockton and husband Ronnie of Belle; grandchildren, Grant Stockton and wife Jenny of Belle and Amanda Barch and husband Kurtis of Owensville; great-grandchildren, Jacob Barch, Zachariah Barch, Isaak Barch, Abigail Barch, Deacon Stockton, and Bronson Stockton; sister, Lola Pearl Neudling of Sunset Hills; and brother, James Jimmy Peth; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 20, at the First Baptist Church in Belle with Pastor Tim Redmond and Pastor Robert Trigo officiating. Interment was at Countryside Memorial Gardens near Bland.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the College Hill Cemetery or the BackStoppers, Inc.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
