Willard "Bill" Miller

May 23, 1926 - March 4, 2021

Willard E. Miller, age 94, of Newark, Delaware went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2021. Willard was born in 1926 in Wilmington to the late Hibbert and Gertrude Miller. Willard was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great- grandfather, great- great- grandfather, and uncle. He was an amazing provider and protector whose family meant everything to him. Bill, as he was more affectionately known, was an avid reader whose favorite book was the Bible. He was a man who wholeheartedly loved Jesus, his Lord. His favorite hobby was fishing in Mountain Springs Lake in the Pocono Mountains, the Indian River Inlet. His most treasured moments were those he and his loving wife spent with the Epworth Quartet of Lewes, Delaware, treasured moments with his children in Dewey Beach, and time spent with his entire loving family. Bill, who loved God and his country, enlisted in the Navy in May of 1944 during WWII and was assigned as a crew member of the Cruiser USS Honolulu CL48 then was assigned to the 7th Fleet. After the cruiser was hit with a torpedo, he was assigned to the island of Saipan where he served as a CB radio operator. Bill was a life time member of the VFW Atterbury Post 3420, an auxiliary police officer holding the rank of Inspector second in command under the supervision of Chief of Police Francis Paoli, a faithful member of the Union United Methodist Church in Bear, De, and a 1988 retiree after 45 years of service in the Wilmington railroad shops of Amtrak where he supervised the maintenance department. Willard is survived by his children: Kathleen Witmer (Charlie), Linda Helm, Christina Miller Baideme, James Miller (Ginger), David Miller (Sherry), and Robert Miller (Barbara); 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 33 years, Christina; son, Glenn Miller: siblings: Walter Miller, Elmer Miller, Webster Stanley Miller, Gertrude Foraker, and Dorothy Cash. Willard was an amazing man whose legacy was his love for God, family, and country. A man adored by all of his family and friends and who will forever be loved and missed. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021, from 11-12 at Strano & Feely family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702, followed by a celebration of life at 12pm. Following the service, burial will take place at Delaware Veterans Cemetery at 2pm. To send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Union United Methodist Church, 345 School Bell Road, Bear, DE 19701.