William Ray Miller

Born on August 18, 1970, Billy lived life in a way that could only be described as his own. He was carefree, a little hardheaded, and never one to be told what to do—something his family knew all too well. He had a sharp sense of humor, a stubborn streak a mile long, and a way of showing up exactly as he was, whether you were ready for it or not.

Billy had a good soul. He loved his family more than he often let on, but in true Billy fashion, he showed it in ways that didn’t always come with words. If you knew him, you knew—love, laughter, and sometimes a little chaos all came together in one unforgettable package.

In 2024, Billy was diagnosed with cancer. During and after his diagnosis, he resided with cousins who were truly angels in his life, providing care, support, and comfort during some of his darkest days. He faced his illness with determination and grit, fighting hard to become cancer-free. Though he completed treatment, his lungs remained weak, and he later developed pneumonia. He spent his final moments surrounded by family—a reminder that, no matter the road, family was always at the center of his life.

Billy’s life included its share of struggles that at times created hardship and distance within the family he loved. Still, those challenges never fully defined him. At his core, he remained resilient, and he never gave up on himself or the life he was living. His story is one of strength, imperfection, and the complicated, enduring nature of love.

He is survived by his mother, Thelada Gibson of Wake Forest, NC; his father and stepmother, William P. Miller (Gloria) of Plano, TX; his sister, Rebecca Fulford (Chris) of Franklinton, NC; his brothers, Jeffery Miller (Cristine) of San Antonio, TX, and Michael Miller of Plano, TX; and his stepbrother, Corey Abbott of Columbus, OH. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Herbert and Opal Miller; his maternal grandparents, Henry and Marian Hill; his stepsister, Melissa Dean; paternal aunt Bonnie Slocum, paternal uncle Robert Miller; and maternal uncle Clyde Hill and other extended family.

A service has not yet been planned, but a celebration of Billy’s life will be held later this year—likely filled with stories, laughter, and the kind of memories that only he could create.

Billy will be remembered for his resilience, his stubborn independence, and the quiet but real love he carried for his family. He lived life on his own terms, for better or worse—and if he were here, he’d probably have something to say about all of this.

He will be missed more than he ever knew.