William Austin Miller

William Bill Austin Miller, age 89, of San Antonio, died Thursday, July 25, 2002. His wife Geraldine Miller preceded him in death in February 2000, after almost 60 years of marriage. Mr. Miller was born in St. Louis, grew up in Cuba, Missouri, and graduated in business from the University of Missouri in 1937 specializing in foreign affairs. In 1940, as newly weds, he and his wife Geraldine moved to the Philippine Islands where they were employed in management positions with the Manila Bus Company. He fought on Bataan, earned the Silver Star for gallantry, and, after the March of Death, was interned in a Japanese POW camp until 1945 where he became blind due to malaria and malnutrition. He was released from active service in 1946 with the rank of Captain. The Millers moved to San Antonio in the early 1950's, entered the motel business and continued their international travels. Mr. Miller organized the local chapter of the Blind Verteran's Association BVA and later served as its president. He also served as president of the San Antonio Motel Owners Association and for two terms as national vice president of the BVA. Mr. Miller had a great love of life, a tireless interest in the world around him, and an indomitable spirit. He will be remembered fondly by family and friends and is survived by his niece Marilyn Oliver; his cousins Harriet Graham and Jane Sullivan and the nieces and nephews of his beloved wife Geraldine: Joan Fiebelman, Judy Beaty and Roger, Bob, Jim and Gilbert Cottrell