Rev. William “Bill” Thomas Miller
The Rev. William “Bill” Thomas Miller, 89, a retired Elder, died Oct. 31, 2017. He was a resident of Columbia. A funeral service was held Nov. 6 at Linden-Linthicum UMC with the Rev. Gayle Annis-Forder officiating. The Rev. Donald Hohne, chaplain at Gilchrist Hospice, participated.
William Thomas Miller was born May 1, 1928, in Stewartstown, Pa. He graduated from Stewartstown High School and then in 1953 he graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He received his MDiv from Wesley Theological Seminary, while it was still at Westminster.
He and Loretta J. Miller were married in 1954 as he began his ministry. They had two children.
Miller had served in every district except Greater Washington. His churches included: Idlewylde, 1954-56; Montgomery, 1956-58; Mt. Nebo, 1958-60; Susquehanna, 1960-65; Highland Ave., 1965-70, during the merger to become The United Methodist Church; Essex UMC, 1970-76; Ashton UMC, 1976-81; Parkside UMC, 1981-87; and Magothy UMC 1987-1991, when he retired. During this time, he had two exchanges with churches in England, to Liverpool and Margate.
The Millers’ home is decorated with paintings he made as a hobby, painting in both watercolors and oils. He also enjoyed reading, especially histories.
His daughter Melissa Anne Miller preceded him in death at the age of 16.
Survivors include his wife Loretta J. Miller, and son Joel B. Miller and his wife; and two grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Melissa Anne Miller Scholarship for Nursing at the WV Wesleyan College, 59 College Ave., Buckhannon, WV 26201.