William "W.O. or Bill" O. Miller

William O. Miller (Bill), 83, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Carlsbad Medical Center surrounded by his family. Visitation will be Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Graveside Service is scheduled for Monday, November 14, 2011 at 2:00 PM, in section IOOF at Carlsbad Cemetery. Carlsbad Veteran's Honor Guard will provide Military Honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Bill was born May 21, 1928 in Carlsbad to Clayton and Lola Miller. Bill began his early life on his family's homestead ranch in Happy Valley. As a youngster his fondest memories were of his dog and favorite horse, 'Brazos'. He rode 'Brazos' regularly through the surrounding hills, to Saturday Western matinee's in town and the other favorite 'hangout' his father's barbershop downtown. At the outbreak of WWII he enlisted in the Navy as soon as he possibly could, as most men did and also served in Korea. (6/1945 - 11/1951, Active Service 5 years, 11 months, 15 days, during his service he received several medals of honor as well as 2 purple hearts). Although he was a seaman, the military assigned him to the Marine Corp. and then the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, due to troop shortage necessities. He finished his service to this Country as a Navy Seaman. Bill loved this country with all of his heart and served proudly. Following his military service, Bill met the love of his life, Gloria Janelle Knox (Jan) from Madisonville, Texas. They were married in 1954 in Carlsbad and celebrated 57 years together in August 2011. Bill worked as a mill operator for IMCC for 15 years. Later he worked as a mill operator and was promoted to supervisor for Duval Corporation then Western Ag & Minerals, until he retired in 1992. Bill gave his heart to the Lord at age 40 and served Him faithfully the rest of his life. His life set an example to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as to how to live their lives with love for God, family, country and their fellowman. As a believer he served the Lord as vice-president for Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International for 3 years as well as President of the Oasis Youth Outreach for many years. Bill enjoyed camping and fishing at Bonita Lake with his family most of all. In his later years those were the memories he recalled most frequently. Regardless of age, Bill was always young at heart. Always playing and laughing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Nadine Rosenberg; his brother, Bud Miller as well as dearly loved aunts, uncles and cousins. Bill is survived by his wife, Jan and their three children; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Carl Melton of Carlsbad; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Vi Miller of Carlsbad; daughter and son-in-law, Sharla and Mike Dempsey of Los Alamos, NM; grandchildren: Amber and Jason Hoffman of Carlsbad, Melanie Melton of Carlsbad, Danny Miller of Odessa, TX, Christina Miller of Denver, CO, Erin Dempsey of Milwaukee, WI, Ian Dempsey of Cedar City, UT; great-grandchildren: Alyssa Hoffman, Sadie Hoffman, Chloe Melton and Jackson Moore. Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Our Thanksgiving family prayer will never be the same without our precious Grandpa. We are comforted by the knowledge that he is waiting to be reunited with us again with our precious Savior in heaven. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com