A dedicated business and community leader, a decorated military veteran of World War II, an 80 -plus years volunteer leader to the Boy Scouts of America, and a loving husband, father and grandfather has passed away. William J. Miller (Bill), the middle son of Arthur and Edith Miller, died September 9, 2021. He passed away peacefully, in his home, surrounded by loved ones. Bill was the beloved husband of Alice R. (Swartout) Miller (deceased February, 2009) to whom he was married for 61 years. He is survived by their three children, Tim W. Miller (Deborah) of Copley, Ohio, Thomas M. Miller (Kathleen) of Medina, Ohio, and Lori N. Miller (Michael G. Freeman -deceased) of St. Petersburg, Florida. Bill also leaves six grandchildren, Nathan (Lindsay), Matthew (Danielle), Andrew, Patrick, David (Melissa) and Sara (Geoff); and five great-grandchildren, Luke, Jackson, Samuel, Alex, and Ellie. Bill will be long remembered by a host of friends, business associates and fellow scouters as a tireless and consummate leader, and a life-long Akronite and resident of Fairlawn, Ohio who cared deeply about his community and service to others. Never one to seek recognition, throughout Bill’s life he served as a board member of numerous civil and charitable organizations. He was especially grateful for the 36 years he was able to serve as a member of the board of the Akron Zoo. Of course, all who knew Bill knew of his love and devotion to The Boy Scouts of America and particularly Troop 380 of Montrose, Ohio. Bill served as Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster Emeritus and Eagle Project Advisor to nearly 200 young men from Troop 380 who attained the rank of Eagle Scout. To this day he viewd these young men as his “adopted sons”. Bill and Alice were also world travelers. During their marriage they visited all seven continents. Bill cited Antarctica as being his most memorable travel adventure. Bill also showed his family his love of country and the great outdoors through camping trips throughout America. Along every pathway, he taught the history of our country’s founding, freedoms and amazing beauty from sea to shining sea. Bill and Alice also had a special love for Marco Island, Florida and spent many years together enjoying and sharing their condominium with family and friends. The family expresses their deep gratitude for the staff at Brookdale Montrose for all their compassionate care for Bill and the entire family. Pursuant to Bill’s wishes he has been interred, along with Alice, at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio. A special memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., at the Camp Manatoc Dining Hall, 1075 Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. For those who desire to make a commemorative gift in Bill’s name please consider a donation to The William J. Miller Friends of Troop 380 Fund, P.O. Box 4353, Copley, Ohio 44321, or to the Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44307.
