Billy Joe Miller of Brookeland, Texas, passed away on July 8th, 2018 at the age of 83, with the great love of his life, Joyce, by his side. He will be greatly missed, but his stubborn streak & grumpy disposition will not soon be forgotten.
He was born in Beaumont, Texas on January 23, 1935. He was one of 9 children of Sidney & Constance (Thibodeaux) Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers Adam & Lawrence Lee Miller, and sisters Betty Jane Broussard, Ethel June Foux & Mary Alice Norris.
Affectionately known as Uncle Joe by his many nieces and nephews, he was a 30 year employee of the USPS until his retirement. He took great pride in his career with the US Navy during the Vietnam War, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He delighted in telling his family of his time spent aboard the USS Toucan, the USS Chara, as well as his time stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was a staunch supporter of the Houston Astros. He was also an ardent fan of complaining for the sake of complaining, and he spent many a Sunday afternoon binge watching spaghetti westerns, much to the dismay of his wife of almost 51 years, Joyce.
His dislikes included being agreeable, his daughter's excessive use of 4 letter words & HGTV's Fixer Upper. However, Billy Joe had many loves as well. He devotedly loved his wife, Joyce Louise (Day), whom he married December 4th 1967 after a whirlwind courtship. He also dearly loved his favorite daughter, Carroll Marie Pattie, affectionately known as "Chop-Chop". He took particular pride in the young men his grandsons, Dakota Blake & Shawn Christian Pattie, had become. He was especially fond of his son-in-law, Richard Pattie, who has put up with his daughter for over 28 years. Fiercely stubborn, he passes on the mantle of stubbornness to his surviving siblings, Bessie Mae Fontenot, and his brothers, the twins, William & Wilbert Miller. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors & pet cats, Boots & Socks.
Bill was a fashion trendsetter. With his trademark plaid button down casual shirts, sturdy yet sensible shoes, Sans-A-Belt slacks and black dress socks, he set the standard for geriatric men’s fashion.
A special token of love and appreciation for his niece and her husband, Eljean & Tony Beier for all of their incomparable help. Much gratitude goes to the staff of Kindred Hospice for their exceptional & compassionate care, Father Ron of St. Raymond's Catholic Church of Jasper, Texas, who attended to his spiritual needs, and everyone who provided a measure of comfort & tranquility as he transitioned from this life and into the next.
