William R. Miller

William Russell (Bill) Miller, 71, passed away Monday, February 1, 2016 at his home in Brooksville, Florida, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Rebecca Miller; 3 brothers, Robert, Elwood and Omer; and a sister, Patricia Hyde. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; daughter and son-in-law Suzanne Miller and Timothy Albright; son and daughter-in-law William and Lisa Miller; grandson Michael Miller; nephews Elwood Miller, Michael Prado and Frank Miller; sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Mike Prado; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Yvonne Miller; sister Brona Larder; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Bill was born March 26, 1944 in Dayton, Ohio. He moved with his family to Tampa as a young boy and attended area schools. He grew up a member of a large, lively, and loving family. He, his father, and his brothers owned and operated Russell’s Roofing, Inc., retiring after 30+ years. To the delight of many, after his retirement from roofing, he owned and operated Uncle Bill’s BBQ for a number of years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing dominoes and NASCAR. Bill Built and drove race cars at the former Golden Gate and Sunshine Speedways, and more recently at Eastbay Raceway Park. He was a gifted carpenter, whether building houses with his brother-in-law Mike, or making rocking chairs for his nieces. He was a member of the 231st Transportation Division of the United States army, serving in Vietnam. He was a long-time member of Grace Evangelical Church in Tampa. Studying under his friend, the late Pastor Mike Pointer. Bill’s presence, strength and honor will abide forever. He was an example of integrity, loyalty and deep, loving commitment to his family. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday at Garden of Memories Chapel. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Collin Kruse, Kyle Kruse, Michael Prado III, Collin Steiger, George Christenson, and Lonnie Panarese. Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Green, Nathan Hart, Johnny Yowell, John Bottomley and David Frost. Special thanks to James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and staff for their loving, compassionate care notably Nishan Tchekmedyian, M.D., and Samir Mikhail, M.D.