Billy Miller

Billy Joe Miller passed from this earth on Nov 15, 2013 with family at his side. He was born May 13, 1929 in Rowell, Ark. to Jasper and Vera Miller and grew up with five sisters; Pebble Wallace, Patsy Rawls, Jetta Stokes, Shirley Creasy, Dixie Allred and a brother; Morris Miller. He married the love of his life, Justine Ball in January 1956. They were blessed with three children, Dr. Keith (Julie) Miller of Allan, Texas, Monicia Taylor of Walnut Ridge and Melinda (Larry) Ward of Little Rock; five grandchildren April Ward, Ashley (Chase) Elliott, Cory Miller, Julia Taylor and Ethan Taylor; two great-granddaughters, Amelia Elliott and Marlee Taylor. After graduating in 1948 from Rison High School he joined the United States Air Force where he spent the next four years as a radar technician. He returned to school on a GI bill becoming a Professional Engineer. He began a 36 plus year career at the Pine Bluff Arsenal retiring in 1985 as Directorate of Engineering and Technology. During his service as a civilian employee he received a multitude of awards and honors including a letter of thanks from President Jimmy Carter. Unable to remain retired he began working as a consultant and officially retired in 1992. He then began his many rolls in NARFE serving on a local, state and national level. He was a faithful member of Southside Baptist Church serving in many rolls, sound technician, deacon and adult Sunday school teacher. There he made many lifetime friends and he greatly appreciated their help and visits during his last years. In 2010, he was awarded Deacon Emeritus for his almost 50 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed every aspect of being outdoors from gardening to hunting but he loved fishing the most. He spent many hours crappie fishing with his best friend Jim Stuart. Of all his accomplishments his family was his greatest joy. He loved being a father from rocking his children until their feet drug the ground to attending their band and sporting events. His love and faithfulness never faltered not for friend or stranger; his life was a living example of the Golden Rule. Funeral services will be Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel with Dr. JR DeBusk officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.