William E. Miller

He was born on October 19, 1936 to Ralph and Norma (Carrico) Miller in Corning, AR, and attended Corning schools before coming to Rockford in 1955. He worked at Quaker Oats for 6 months before joining the Navy in Hot Springs, AR at age 19. William served his country as a helmsman for 4 years on the USS Intrepid. He shared memories of traveling the world aboard the vessel, including a journey to the Arctic Circle. He was honored to return to the Intrepid in New York City in September 2009 and enjoyed revisiting some of his duty stations.

Following his military service, he moved to Rockford and began his 50- year career as a barber. Bill owned and operated Bill’s Barber Shop in various locations, most recently in Machesney Park. He attended Full Gospel Evangelistic Church and served as Pastor for the past 4 years. He worked faithfully as a barber and a pastor until his health prevented him from continuing this August. William enjoyed reading and studying God’s Word and collecting books and antiques. He also enjoyed barbering and seized every opportunity to minister to the people in his chair.

He is survived by his wife Arlene, daughters Penny (Jeff) Poshka, Michelle (Craig) Yoder of Woodstock and Heidi (Tim) Eaton of Plymouth, MN. Sisters Vivian Miller, Nina (Bill) Allyn of Corning, AR, and Diane Abraham of Albuquerque, NM; and brother Jerome Miller of Cahokia, IL. Sister-in- law Deloras (Art) Burton, and brother –in-law David (Mary) Feldt of Portland, OR. Grandchildren Emily and Adam Poshka; Joshua, Matthew, and Samuel Yoder, and Justin and Brennan Eaton. His best buddy Richard (Francis) Quest and many other dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers; Gerry, Tony, and Donny Miller

The family thanks the nurses at the infusion room at Swedish American Hospital, Dr. William Schultz and staff of Swedish American Medical Oncology, and the staff of Heartland Hospice, especially his nurse, Renae. The family will establish memorials with Northern Illinois Blood Bank and Heartland Hospice, which supported his health in the last years of his life.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 2pm, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Pastor Joe Chastain will be officiating. A visitation will be held the night prior from 5pm – 8pm and one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences can be submitted to www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.