WILLIAM “BILL” MILLER
Sept. 14, 1924 - Oct. 6, 2018
Bill Miller, age 94, of Imperial, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2018 at his home. Bill, the only child of Imperial Valley Pioneers John and Effie Miller, was born September 14, 1924 on a small farm outside of Imperial, CA.
Bill graduated from Imperial High School with the class of 1942. In high school Bill was active in sports, especially the Softball team where he was the pitcher. During high school while riding the school bus, Bill met Peggy Danskin. This began their 75+ years together.
Bill joined the Navy on February 14, 1943. He served in the Navy a little over three years, with 18 months stateside and 19 months in the Pacific Theater operation ending up on Saipan Island.
On his 23rd birthday, September 14, 1947, he married his sweetheart in a small church in Laguna Beach, CA. They made their home in Imperial where they raised their 6 children.
Bill loved the game of Fast Pitch Softball and he played every chance he got, grade school, high school, and in the Navy. During the 1940s and 1950s he played on one of the best teams to be assembled in the Imperial Valley, The Imperial Merchants.
Bill was employed by the Imperial Irrigation District Engineering Department for 42 years as the Party Chief of the survey crew. He also did farming with his father and private survey engineering.
Bill was very active in the Imperial Little League. During his 25+ years of coaching he had a very successful record and coached several Imperial All-Star teams. He was also involved in Imperial 4-H as a Beef and Swine leader for many years. He also served on the Imperial County 4-H Livestock committee.
Bill and Peggy were Diamond Members of the Imperial County Historical Society, and supporters of Pine Valley Bible Camp and the Humane Society of Imperial County.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Peggy, his infant son Steven Gary and his parents, John and Effie Miller and many loving dogs.
Bill is survived by his sons, Doug (Joyce) of Oregon City, OR, Jeff (Tene) of Yuma, AZ, Terry (Jennifer) of Redlands, CA, William (Nellie) of Daniel, WY and daughters, Sandra Gustafson of Imperial, CA, Sharon Miller of Palm Desert, CA; a brother-in-law, Norman Danskin of NV; cousin, Audy Waldrop; his best friend, Lisa the dog; grandchildren, David, Chris, Steven and Richard Gustafson, Jeff and James Miller, Garrett Miller and Kristen Young, Logan, Jon, Andrew Jones and Zachary Miller, Austin Deisch-Miller and Nathaniel Miller and 14 great- grandchildren.
We wish to give a special thanks to his caregivers Letty, Norma and Michelle.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 9 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery and will be officiated by Pastor Walter Colace. Following the service there will be a remembrance brunch at 11 a.m. held at the Christ Community Church social hall.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humane Society of Imperial County, 1575 W. Pico Ave. in El Centro.