Miller, William Carlton

William Carlton Miller (“Daddy Bill”) was called home on December 20, 2022, ending a 2½ year experience with cancer and a lifetime of service to his family, friends and the Lord Jesus Christ. He was born on July 11, 1934, in Christiansburg, Va. and was preceded in death by his parents H. Andrew Miller and Helen Dixon Miller, his grandparents Morris, C. Miller and Bertie Miller and brother H. Andrew Miller II (Jackie).

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Woolwine Miller; sons: Steven W. Miller (Sheila) Marion, VA, Kenneth C. Miller Henrico, VA, and Thomas A. Miller (Delina) King, N.C.; brother, F. Michael Miller (Dru), Roanoke, Va.; grandchildren: Stacy L. Burchett, Marion Va., Brian C. Miller (Shannan), Bristol, Tenn., Allison M. Richards (Matt), Jonesborough, TN., Charles W. Miller, Winston Salem, N.C., Lauren D. Miller (Fiancé David), Winston Salem, N.C., Morgan M. Miller (Fiancé Cody) Midlothian, Va., and Madeline A. Miller, Richmond VA; seven great-grandchildren.

Daddy Bill was a lifelong member of St. Thomas, Episcopal Church, Christiansburg, Virginia, and most recently attended Cambria Baptist Church, Christiansburg, Virginia. He was employed by General Electric, Salem Va, 19 years, taught Electricity at Christiansburg high school 11 years and retired after ten years with New River Valley Workshop. Daddy Bill is loved and will be missed by all.

Some of his hobbies included coin and stamp collecting, traveling and socializing with friends and family, but his favorite pastime was flower gardening. Many feel he may have invented “Dad’ jokes as he had a vast library of material to share. He enjoyed being the life of the party and as a performer, is well known for his renditions of “The Chicken Song” as he strummed his ukulele. His musical fondness was shared as a member of the church choir, and in an odd way, he had an affinity for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s musical masterpiece of “Free Bird”. This may have helped him stay connected with the younger generations which he enjoyed being a part of, especially when he was teaching.

He strove to be a positive influence with his students and many will smile when they think of field trips to the Norfolk Naval Yard and B Market hot dogs. His students were special to him. Prior to his teaching years, he was involved in the Kiwanis Club and their youth athletic program, mainly the Sandlot Basketball leagues. During the season, he would open the high school gym at 7:00 Saturday mornings and referee games or run the time clock until mid-afternoon. He also led the local Explorer Scout Program during the mid to late ‘60’s, taught Sunday School and led the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Youth Program and served on the Vestry.

Putting his interests and hobbies aside, his relationships with Jesus Christ and his family were the most important things in his life and he made no secret of either. He always, in the gentlest of ways, spoke up for what he believed in and was solidly grounded in the Gospel and biblical traditions. He was tolerant and kind and shared a Christian love with all. Each member of the Miller family, and beyond, have fond memories and Daddy Bill-isms to hold onto and share forever.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Cambria Baptist Church: visitation 12:00 noon to 1:30pm with service immediately following; internment will follow at Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donation be considered to Cambria Baptist Church and Christiansburg Rescue Squad. Arrangements by Horne Funeral Services, Christiansburg VA 540-382-2612