March 16, 1944 - July 11, 2023
William ''Bill'' C. Miller, Jr., 79, of Hot Springs passed away on July 11, 2023. He was born March 16, 1944 in Hoxie, Arkansas. He was the son of former Arkansas State Police Colonel William C. Miller, Sr. and Margaret Miller.
Bill loved deer hunting, was an avid Oaklawn racing fan and a true lover of the lake life. He retired after 32 years of driving for Jones Truck Lines and ABF Freight.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his best friend, John Barnes. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Miller of Hot Springs, AR; three daughters, Lisa (Ron) Barrentine of McKinney, TX, Dana (Trent) Emmons of Royal, AR and Stacy Dougherty of Lonsdale, AR ; seven grandchildren, Jason (Mackenzie) Barrentine, Kelsey (Cody) Tompkins, Tyler (Morgan) Barrentine, Miller Emmons (Gabby Green), Kyndall Emmons, Mason Dougherty and Ethan Dougherty and seven great grandchildren, Fischer, Stella, Sophie, Leighton and Forrest Barrentine, Blakely and Brooks Tompkins. Also survived by Sister-in-Law, Kaye (John) Pendergrass and lifelong friend, Linda Barnes.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bill's name to Hospice Home Care, 4332 Central Avenue, Suite J, Hot Springs, AR 71913 or Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, 1400 W. Markham Street, #304, Little Rock, AR, 72201 or Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation, 1 Children's Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Memorial service will be at 10 am Monday, July 24, 2023 at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock, AR 72212
Sharon, I was heartbroken to hear of Bill's passing. I knew he was having some struggles when I saw him this winter and didn't realize he had gotten worse. I already missed him coming into my office and talking about everything from banking to horse racing. I will definitely miss seeing him at the track talking about how many losing tickets we have. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Our prayers go out to the Miller Family, we know his transition in life will be a joyous one. From the team at Richards Honda Yamaha.
Sharon and family we are sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed being with Bill and all of the family. Bill was a kind person a good friend and always had a good humor. We will miss him.
Sharon and Stacy: We feel so blessed to have known Bill. He brought much joy and laughter to our office. We pray the Lord's comfort and strength for you in the coming days.
Lou and Bennie Sue
So sorry to hear about Bills passing. Sharon you Linda,John abd Bill had so many good times together. I had called him right before y’all went to Florida. Glad I had that conversation with him. Prayers for the family
What a great guy. In 1979 Bill sold Chuck and me our first house. His toughest job was convincing us newlyweds a bank would actually loan us $27000. Sharon, Lisa, Dana and Stacy, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck & Sherry Turley
Sharon,hello old friend.I guess I am about the last of the Block bunch around,I see you are living in H, S. we had lost touch, I am 90 yrs old now and living for the last 12 yrs. At the Atriam in Hot Springs. With my Bill (93). So sorry to read in the newspaper about your Bill’s death. All of the Block. Employees and family loved both of you so much. Please get in touch and know you have my Deepest sympathy. Betty Nieburg
So very sorry to read this. Bill was in my brothers class at Mabelvale so I got to be around the older guys. So sorry for your loss.
Dana…. I am praying for you and your entire family. I know the pain and I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you all in the days ahead. Your RDU and Frisco friend.
Bill was great person, always has been there for his friends. My prayers are with his family.
Dana, my sincere sympathy to you and your family. Please know I’m praying for you all.
As a kid growing up in yorkwood I used to make this man's blood pressure shoot through the roof and I will admit most of the time it was with good reason. Lol.... As a young boy, like most I mowed yards and he gave me one of my first jobs at his house. I swear I think that man went out there and measured the grass with a ruler. Lol ... He was hard but always fair. I'm much older now and have spent many summers at the lake with him where he has watched my children grow to young adults. He always kept a watchful eye and always had a protective quality about him with his friends and most importantly his family which he loved dearly. We've had many great conversations and fun times. No doubt in my mind he will be missed. Rest in peace my old friend and prayers for your family.
Sharon, I’m sooo sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. We had a LOT of good times from high school on. He was always the life of the crowd. Will be praying for comfort for you and your girls. ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Dana & the whole Miller family, I am so so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things you will go through. My heart hurts for you. I miss my parents so badly. No more pain or suffering. Prayers going up for you & your family for peace & comfort.
Miller Family, words cannot express our feelings. You all welcomed us to LakeLand and it didn’t take long to feel like extended family. Everyone was so kind and helpful. Especially John and Bill. They are and always will be our voices guiding us, making us laugh, cry and get mad. At the end of the day we all sat down and broke bread together, laughing about what had transpired. We knew who to call for help when we were on the road or unable to get home! We value our time and we will forever hold it close to our hearts. We will always be a phone call away for any of the family, rest assured. We love you and our heart’s hurt for you loss. Hold each other close and keep your memories alive, know that those two fellows will be looking down and continuing to guide us. â™¥ï¸ Kenny and Kathy Stephens
The Miller’s so sorry to here of Bill passing away. But I can only imagine
The shouting JOHN and BILL are doing. And enjoying being together.
Bill always had such a beautiful smile
And his story telling was infectious
And willing to help no matter what was happening. He loved a piece of chocolate pie. He always said I made that pie for him. I laughed He and John would get pie first. He loved his Lakeland family and has such a big heart for the lake. We Love you Miller family. Bill will be missed.
CINDY AND TERRY WOMBLE
To Sharon, Lisa, Dana & Stacy, may God bless you’all & His peace surround you. Your Dad will forever be a part of all of you in the Miller family & his family of friends.
Dana and family - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I have lots of memories from our old ball days and can remember vividly his laugh and being so fun loving. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Kim
We had the privilege of knowing Bill as a father, a manager, an employee and a friend. In all his roles his big personality instilled confidence, caring and humor. Everyone looked forward to seeing him arrive at any venue with a big smile, a great sense of humor, and quite often his great laugh. He was fiercely loyal to his family and all those with whom he worked. We slept better every night knowing that Big Bill Miller was always watching out for us.
He will be greatly missed. Our family sends prayers to all the generations of his beautiful family that loved him and cared for him through his illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
So sorry for your loss
What a sad day for everyone. He was a sweet man. Prayers for all family and friends of Bill. Love to all.
So sorry for your loss!! Thoughts and prayers from the Haley’s to all the Miller family!!!
I’m so sorry for your loss!! I know how much your daddy was adored!! Praying for comfort!!
RIP Bill!!
I just read that Bill passed away, and I’m so sorry. Your family was always so dear to our hearts.
To All of my cousins, Sharon, Lisa, Stacy & Dana
I am so sorry to hear about Bill. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and may God put His loving arms around you for comfort during this time.
Love,
Joyce (Ohio)
Miller Family, words cannot express our feelings. You all welcomed us to LakeLand and it didn’t take long to feel like extended family. Everyone was so kind and helpful. Especially John and Bill. They are and always will be our voices guiding us, making us laugh, cry and get mad. At the end of the day we all sat down and broke bread together, laughing about what had transpired. We knew who to call for help when we were on the road or unable to get home! We value our time and we will forever hold it close to our hearts. We will always be a phone call away for any of the family, rest assured. We love you and our heart’s hurt for you loss. Hold each other close and keep your memories alive, know that those two fellows will be looking down and continuing to guide us. â™¥ï¸ Kenny and Kathy Stephens
Bill Miller was a legend at Lakeland Lodge, and he will never be forgotten by those who knew him there. His sense of humor, his great storytelling, and his willingness to help others with whatever task arose will be missed by all. Regrettably, we won’t be able to attend the service for Bill, but we will be thinking of the entire Miller family and wishing them peace as they are saying goodbye to him July 24. — Jim and Judy Teeter
Sharon, Dana, and family, so sorry for your lost, Gladys and I will be praying for you and your family.
I am so sad to hear of Miller's passing. He was a great guy that loved the lake, his family and his friends. I met him many years ago at Lakeland Lodge. He was always willing to lend a hand back in the day when Lisa, Nancy and I were manning Lisa's first boat! We had no clue what we were doing!
Bill never ran out of things to talk about -- I remember many morning visits over coffee at Lakeland Lodge. He was a good man and he will be missed.
Much love and prayers to the entire family.
Tammy Stewart
Sharon, I just read that your Bill has died. I worked with you at Beach, for nearly two years in the 1990’s, before moving back to Tennessee, and remember how lovingly you talked about your husband and girls. I know your grief will be tough, but I pray your faith will help you and your daughters walk through the coming days. I promise to pray for all of you. I’m so sorry for your loss.
To Sharon, Dana (Trent), Kelsey (Cody), Miller, Kyndall and the rest of the family…so sorry for the loss of your beloved (husband, dad, and grandfather). May Christ surround you with love, grace, and peace as you grieve this great loss. My your fond memories sustain in the days to come.
In the name of Christ!
Callie Emmons
We will miss Bill Miller and the many fun times at the Lake. May God bless his beautiful family in this time as they hold memories of Bill in their hearts forever.