Col. Billy (Bill) J. Miller

Col. Billy (Bill) J. Miller was born on Nov. 13, 1940, in Anna, and is now resting in the arms of his beloved Lord.  

Bill grew up in Anna, where he graduated from high school then went on to attend Southern Illinois University.  

After graduating with a BA in Child Psychology, Bill joined the United States Air Force.  

In 1962, Bill attended Officers’ Training School in San Antonio.  

Bill met his future wife, Vicenta (Vicky) Castillo while attending an Officers’ Training Club function. Vicky was working at Brooks Air Force Base during this time.  

They were married on May 8, 1963. They have one son, David L. Miller.

While in the military, Bill also received an MA in Psychology from Ball State University in Indiana.  

Most of his military career was with the Logistics Command with assignments in Germany, Vietnam, the Pentagon and Washington, D.C.  

After retirement from the Air Force, Bill and Vicky made their home in Anna.  He built their dream home on 19 acres of land. 

Bill then began a new career with the State of Illinois as an Administrator for Veteran’s Homes.  

In 2002, he decided to retire from his State career to become a vinter.  Bill grew his own grapes and produced a line of his own wine on the small acreage in Anna.  

Bill loved life, golf, poker, billiards and most of all music and to sing praises to his Lord.  

In 2008, Bill and Vicky made the decision to move to Air Force Village II (now Blue Skies of Texas West.)  Bill became an active member of the Protestant Church Choir and serving on the board.  

Sadly, on May 30, 2018 Bill’s wife of 55 years passed. Bill found love again in his second wife, Juanita.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Vicky; parents Francis and Josephine Miller; and sister Kay F. Hawkins.  

He is survived by his current wife, Juanita; son David and wife Disa; grandsons William and Cameron; sister Mary Jane Lasley Jennings (Charles); brother David: and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill was a stranger to no one and loved by all.  He will be missed. 

Memorial Service will be June 7, 2019, in High Flight Chapel a 1:30 p.m., with reception to follow in CC rooms.

Memorial Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Air Force Villages Chapel Fund.