William Dean "Bill" Miller

William Dean “Bill” Miller, 89, of Homosassa, Florida, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida. A native of Alton, Illinois, he was born November 4, 1932, the only child to William H. and Nina (Berg) Miller. Bill, as he was known to everyone, attended and graduated Alton Illinois High School, Class of 1951. He was honored with perfect attendance recognition, having not missed a single day of school in 12 years. One of Bill’s passions growing up was model airplane building, and was the winner of many competitions.

Mr. Miller served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and served a tour in Korea, mustering out as Private First Class, and was a disabled veteran. Bill enjoyed a long 32 year career with Owens Illinois, Inc., retiring as plant manager, and earned his Certificate in Industrial Management from Southern Illinois University while employed with Owens Illinois. Mr. Miller retired in 1983 with his beloved late wife, Delores E. “Dee” (Kessinger) Miller and they spent 1 year traveling the country in their RV, settling in Hernando Beach in 1986, then moving to Sugarmill Woods in Homosassa in 1997. Bill also enjoyed his community involvement with the Orlando Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors of Orlando Junior Achievement. He was a parishioner of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church in Homosassa; enjoyed woodworking and picture framing in his retirement and Bill loved playing cards with his friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Delores E. “Dee” Miller, on July 18, 2007. Mr. Miller is survived by his daughters Linda Moneghan (husband Kenneth) and Carol Lovell (husband Richard); grandchildren Kelly Bentz (husband Brian), Sara Johnson (husband Michael) and Jennifer Diaz (husband Irving) and two great grandchildren; Hailey Bentz and Lyla Diaz. Bill enjoyed sharing his time later in life with his loving companion of 14 years, Mary Young of Homosassa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St.Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church with Fr. J. Glenn Diaz, Celebrant. Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida will follow the mass at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in remembrance of Bill to St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, 7040 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446 or James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612. Include with donation the following: Voluntary Services Code 135 in honor of Veteran William D. Miller; next of kin Linda Moneghan. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, Florida www.wilderfuneral.com