"Gary Siwiec, I rented a home to the Millers during their time in Russellville AR The first time I walked into the home that The Millers had rented from me in Russellville AR, I acknowledged a large portrait on the wall of Red in a Civil War military uniform, I acknowledged his age and his service and from then on he became to me ?the General ?, He called me ?Senor Gary? , he said Nance managed Lowe life?s (Lowes home center) and he lived off that ?Socialite Secuity?. They were my favorite renters of all time and often came to our get togethers (with his guitar). Nance, one time on a road trip, couldn?t get the General to answer the phone for several hours, she was quite concerned and asked me to go over and check on him, after no answer At the door, I entered while yelling his name, no answer, I made my way to the bedroom where I found him sprawled out on the bed in nothing but his skivies, making no sound and appeared not to be breathing, my mind was racing with the thought of having to call Nancy with the bad news, I grabbed his big toe and shook, up he popped, big smile on his face and spouts out ? well hello Senor Gary? not even acknowledging that I was a little shook up and surprised enough to have wet myself. I told him it was good thing you?re alive, cause you weren?t gettin any CPR from me! We both enjoyed a great laugh. In fact every encounter he had me laughing in fits. Always had a story, in Korea conflict, his unit got caught in a fire fight, he kept his head down in a fox hole until it was safe, 4 days later he stuck his head up to look, everyone was gone and now alone, he had to find his unit that had moved on, along the way he traded out his M1 for the Korean Tommy gun and that made him feel like a gangster. he also had to load his pockets down with korean ammo. when he found his unit, they took all his souvenirs away. He wore a NY Yankees ball cap that he told everyone was given to him by Joe DiMaggio. He said ?people will believe anything? He told me he traded his Purple Heart for a ham sandwich because he got hungry and couldn?t eat the Medal. Him and a friend ( black man) Traveled the country on their Harleys during the fifty?s. As I sit here and write this, I think of what a Great life this man lived , everyone he knew loved him, didn?t have an enemy, if we could all be so fortunate. Jesus lived through him and touched the lives of many to make the earth a better place. I?m sure he heard the words we all long to hear on that day; Well done my good and faithful servant. , "
In loving memory of
William Austin Miller
November 29, 1931 - February 1, 2022
William (Red) Austin Miller, age 90, passed away February 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Red was born November 29, 1931, in Moravia, IA to Wilford and Rose (O'brien) Miller.
Red proudly served his country in the U.S Army during the Korean War. Red loved playing guitar, making jokes, traveling and calling everyone by his own unique nicknames! Red loved the Lord our God and he loved his family.
Red was united in marriage to Nancy (Kellar) Miller on August 15, 1980.
Red was preceded in death by his brothers: Thomas (Delores), Raymond, Wilbur, Willard, Orval (Isabelle) and sisters: Dorthey and Alice.
Survivors include his wife of more than 42 years Nancy (Kellar) Miller, his children Katie Howard, Troy Sr. (Jody) Miller and Brandi " Diz "(Jeramiah) Netzel, Steve (Eileen) Miller, Chris (Nancy) Miller. Grandchildren include Jamie, Mandi, Kalie, Troy Jr, Isaac, Isaiah, Allyn, Lily, Constance, Giuseppe, Hallie, Nolan, Vaughn, Ty and Ayana. Great grandchildren Kylie, Joshua, Hailey, Izzabella, Levi, Taylor, Chloe, Devon, Lexi, Christine, Isaac and Isabel and many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life service will be held on February 12, at 2:00pm at Southview Bible church (135 Bennett Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51503). All memorials should be directed to the family.
The family would like to give a special thanks and love to: St Joseph Villa, Serene Care Hospice, and Good Shepherd Funeral Home.
Tributes
"Bro Bill Miller what a incredible man you were always smiling and never complained...Your were an amazing husband to my perfect co-worker and sweet friend Nancy I loved how you held her hand everywhere we went...John and Landon always looked forward to our brief but meaningful meetings...But I will never forget the way you lived for God you and Nancy played great music and oh the songs were tremendous...the John Deb and Landon Bodien family will never forget you save a place for us we will see you again ?? ?? ?? ?deb"
" Larry and I will always cherish the times we spent with Red and Nancy at their house and ours doing music, as Red and Nancy recorded music for me to use . Those tapes are very special. Their friendship was very special and Red was an awesome and very special man.We will miss him. FLY HIGH OUR SPECIAL FRIEND. Love, Larry and Kathy"
"A beautiful man with lots of love and laughter he shared with everyone. You will be missed, loved and cherished Papa. My life will never be the same without you. My heart is filled with sorrow that I will have no more memories to make with you. My heart is filled with joy from the memories we made. I remember waking up every morning with you in the living room playing your "geetar" over and over and I would plug my ears because it was only 4 in the morning. Now I wish I could hear you play that "geetar" at 4 am. I will always and forever miss you and our bond. Thank you for the life you gave me!!! Thank you Jesus for giving him to me and me to him. Brandi (Aka your Diz)"
"Sending my deepest condolences to Nancy and the family? Bill was more like family than a friend to me and I can?t help but wonder if he wasn?t that way with everyone he met. I have so much love and respect for him? I loved his nickname he had given me years ago along with the way he was always cutting up and joking. I could listen to his stories about him and Nancy?s brother for hours. Above all, the thing I remember Bill for the most is the love that I witnessed he had for Nancy, it was unlike anyone I had ever seen? Rest In Peace my friend, you will be missed! Cheryl Adair "