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In loving memory

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January 2, 1942 –  February 5, 2012  John William Miller passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.He was born Jan. 2, 1942 in Stockton, California, the second child to Mary Power Miller and Dr. Walter S. Miller. John was raised in Denton, TX. He graduated from Denton High School in 1961. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Denton. John attended North Texas State University and graduated with a business and finance degree. John worked as a loan officer in Dallas until he served in the U.S. Army. John was the secretary to the Colonel and was stationed in beautiful posts, such as Orleans, France and Heidelberg, Germany. John and Carole Pearson Miller had daughter, Lauren Michelle while overseas. It was a magical experience with breathtaking memories. John returned to the U.S. after his service in 1969. John was passionate about hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. Some of his most favorite times were going to Llano, Palo Pinto, and Bridgeport to hunt with his father, father in law, uncle, and brothers. He enjoyed the fellowship, stories, and being with the guys. One of his career wishes was to become a game warden. His father Walter had said many times, “John always wanted to be a game warden, it just never worked out.” Fortunately, luck be have it for him that his daughter married a game warden named Jim. So many of his wishes were finally met by helping out at youth hunts, kid fishing tournaments, and cooking at the Texoma Game Warden Station on holiday weekends with his family. He was such an outdoor activist, he helped his granddaughter, Bethany obtain a Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License in Texas. He always had a boat “ready to go” if you had the time. John was an excellent swimmer and made sure everyone had swim lessons. In the 70’s he had the opportunity to work with one of his long-time high school friends at Seven Seas as a security guard before he became the transportation manager at Payless Cashways. He worked for decades until the doors finally closed. He had received the prestigious Safe-Driver Award several times and numerous other awards. John was a true gentleman and enjoyed giving to others. John was fortunate to retire early and enjoy his family as the “summer activity director” and ride with his motorcycle group Southern Cruisers. He also participated with Denton Honda and Plano Honda riding clubs. John traveled on his Gold Wing over 50,000 miles nationwide until he was unable to drive anymore. The last few years John remained a faithful servant to God and attended First Baptist Church in Gordonville with his family, where he loved to sing hymns. He was an active supporter in St. Jude, Alzheimer’s Association, Scleraderma Foundation, Toys for Tots, and the S&S FFA. John has struggled with a terrible brain disease for several years. He loved to live life and didn’t disclose to others that he was ill. The family would like to thank his therapists, nurses, and staff at Whitesboro Health & Rehab. Center and Home Hospice of Grayson County for their compassionate care during his stay. John is survived by: one daughter, Lauren Miller Ballard and husband, Jim, grandchildren, Bethany of Sadler, TX, Devin of Matador, TX, Katie of Bridgeport, TX, and Lindsey of Jacksboro, TX; brother, Walter S. Miller, III and wife, Barbara of Lewisville, TX, Martin L. Miller and wife, Rissa of Kerrville, TX, a sister, Mary Rupert and husband, Ray of Denton, TX; nieces and nephews, Teri, Jon, Rita, and Martin, Jr. he was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Walter S. and Mary Miller. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 608, Gordonville, TX 76245. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Meador Funeral Home Chapel in Whitesboro, TX officiated by Dr. Rusty Waller. A graveside service with military honors will follow the service at 3:30 p.m. at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, TX.