"I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We spent our childhood years growing up together in Everest, KS, and became close friends due to our mutual love of sports. He was a gifted athlete and, combined with his competitive spirit, he excelled at every sport he participated in. I'm sure he passed on that "can do" philosophy to the generations of young people he worked with over the years. He will surely be missed."
In loving memory of
William 'Bill' Miller
April 21, 1936 - November 29, 2012
OFFICIATING Reverend Robert Gralapp RECORDED MUSIC Johnny Cash Album "There You'll Be" Faith Hill HONORARY BEARERS All of Coach Miller's Basketball Players and Teachers William A. Miller, son of Andrew English Miller and Mary Louise (Fuhrman) Miller was born April 21, 1936 in Horton, KS. He lived with his family and grew up in Everest, KS where he attended school. Bill graduated with the Class of 1954. He then attended Highland Junior College for two years where he played basketball and football. He finished his undergraduate education at Peru State Teacher's College in Peru, NE in 1958. Bill started his long career in education and coaching at Virginia, NE where he taught and coached all sports in the small school followed by a short time at Falls City, NE and then Shubert, NE. Bill started teaching physical education, health, history and coaching boys' basketball in Manilla in 1966. On May 27, 1967 Bill was united in marriage with Marilyn I. Grage in Manilla. They made their home in Manilla and were the parents of two children. While raising a family and teaching and coaching, he earned his Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1980 and started serving as principal of Manilla High School. Bill continued coaching and led his teams to state basketball tournaments in 1975, 1976, 1987 and a runner up position in 1991. To honor his long time commitment to coaching, Bill was inducted into the IHSAA Coaches Hall of Fame in 2011. Bill retired in 1999. Over the years Bill thoroughly enjoyed riding and taking trips on his motorcycle. His wife Marilyn joined him on these trips. He was also an avid reader. During his retirement he drove bus for WindStar Bus Lines for six years, visiting many large cities in the United States. Bill was diagnosed with cancer a number of years ago. He stubbornly fought the disease, however his health eventually deteriorated. He was able to remain at home with the care of his loving family and hospice. He died there early Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 8 days. Preceding Bill in death are his parents; brother David Miller; sister Bonnie Albers and parents in law Floyd and Irene Grage. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Miller of Manilla; son Billy Miller of Arlington, TX; daughter Morgan and husband Matt Nelson of Manilla; son Shane Miller of Santa Barbara, CA; two grandchildren Mya and Mason Nelson of Manilla; two sisters Margaret Wiar of Arlington, TX and Mary Ann Miller of Rushville, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Tributes
"I'm not sure if I remember his nickname correctly as Biller Miller. Whether as a coach or principal, he was strict, yet fair. Aggressive yet kind hearted. One of the many quality teachers who worked at Manilla Community School. Rest in Peace."
"So very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. Was so nice visiting with him at the 2010 Everest High School reunion. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Mr. Miller, you were always Mr. Miller to me. I have always had the GREATEST respect for you. You taught me to be the competitor I am to this day. Never be second best, be the best you can be. Thanks for all you did for me. Love ya Mr. Miller Dean Cadwell"
"My sympathy to the family and friends. He was my first Principal and he shaped my career in many ways. He taught me the meaning of being a professional. Rest in peace and may God Bless."
"Dear Marilyn and family, Please find comfort in your memories of times with Bill, an amazing person. Amongst so many good qualities, he was (with you) such a great neighbor to my parents. He will be missed by many."
"I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
"Thinking about what a huge impact you had on a lot of people's lives. You taught me the importance of giving 100% at all times. I always enjoyed seeing you when I would be back in Manilla. Thinking of you Marilyn, Shane and Morgan and hoping you find comfort in the memories you have. Love to you all! Annie B"
"Bill was a pillar of the IKM Community. He taught his students/athletes many lessons including the value of hard work, integrity and perserverence. His positive impact on the lives of many will perpetuate his memory."
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May he forever rest in peace."
"My sympathy to your family Coach. My you rest in piece."
"Dear Marilyn, Morgan, and Shane, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Coach Miller is a great person and wonderful human being who had such a positive impact on my life. God Bless! Larry"
"Dear Marilyn, Shane and Morgan, I am thinking of you and hope you find peace and solice in your great memories. Take care. Love, Bonnie (Lueth) Langendorfer"
"Marilyn&Family, We were very saddened to hear of Bill passing. He was a very good person who had a very difficult job all those years, but he did it,and did it well. So Sorry"
"My deepest sympathies. He will be in our thoughts and prayers."
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"coach miller taught life lessons in the classroom and on the court. he will be missed."
"You have my sympathy at the passing of Mr. Miller. He was my World History teacher and being involved in sports I had contact with him that way. When my folks moved to town, you are their neighbors. He will definitely be missed."
"A leader is one who helps make those they work with better. Bill Miller was one of those people. There is not a student or colleague that worked with Bill that did not better themselves in some way because of the standards he set for all of us. Marilyn and family you can take some solace in this difficult time because of this legacy. There are many memories of good times that will live forever in your hearts. Our deepest sympathy to you."
"When someone you love and respect becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Bill was a treasure to the Manilla community and to all those he taught, coached and worked with. The quality of a person's life is measured by what one has done for others. Few, if any, have done more for Manilla and its youth than Bill Miller. His passing is a huge loss to the community and to all those who knew him well."
"Coach Miller Is and always will be #1 Class person brought so many people to a higher level in life! And his legacy remains strong yet today! God Bless you e"
"Mr. Miller was my all-time favorite coach. Strict but fair, super knowledgable, he always tried to teach us life lessons along the way. He was a great man."
"Marilyn & Family, Words simply can not express the sadness that we feel for you in your time of suffering and loss. I know how difficult it can be to see a loved one suffer from cancer. He hired me as his secretary. He was honest, patient, and respected by many people at school and in the community. He will be missed."
"Our family - Alyce, Jim, Jeff, Vivian, Jim Jr., Kris, Joe, Susannah and Andy - wich to extend our sympathy to Bill's family. We all have fond memories of Bill. May God bless you during this time.k"
"He was a good principal when I had him my freshman & sophmore yr. in high school.He always had a smile on his face."
"I realize Bill had his share of health issues the past years but he handled them the same way he coached and lived -- taking them head on and doing his best. I always enjoyed talking with him, and so thrilled with his Hall of Fame recognition. May his memory of the good times provide solace and healing for the family."
"Marilyn and Family, I want you to know how much I appreciated Bill's support throughout the years. He helped me grow as both a coach and a person! He will be missed but never forgotten. Joy"
"We so enjoyed Bill when he drove the bus For Marla on her Emerald Club trips with the bank. Our deepest sympathies."
"I will always have memories of Bill at school as a coach and as my principal. He was a respected member of our community."
"We extend our sympathy to the family of Bill Miller. He hired me (Lana) and then was my principal for several years. He was a supportive principal and a one-of-a-kind man. Blessings on his memory!"
"Marilyn & family, We are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a good man and will be missed. May your memories of good times shared stay in your hearts forever. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Jeff & Pam"
"Bill gave me my first job and served as a mentor in my early days at IKM. Bill was always a high character individual who was a role model to young teachers and coaches who were fortunate to work with him. God Bless you Bill and your family. Your legacy lives on in the students, teachers, and coaches you guided throughout your life."
"Bill was such a fantastic person, coach, teacher, principal and boss. I loved working for him. and had so much respect for him. He will be greatly missed by many."