Obituary of William Claude Miller
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William Claude Miller, age 67, of Deep Gap, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Watauga Medical Center. Born December 24, 1946 in Watauga County, he was a son of Claude and Pauline Day Miller. William was a heavy equipment operator, a member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church, and a member of Ashler Masonic Lodge.
William served in the US Army during the Viet Nam Era as a helicopter welding technician.
He was a man of many talents; welder, auto mechanic, auctioneer, fireman, and stove builder, but his passion was operating heavy equipment, just as his father had done. William loved collecting �stuff�, such as metal, toys, tools, etc. He loved animals and children, and loved watching TV.
Mr. Miller is survived by his companion and caregiver, Sherry Barker of Deep Gap; �special children�, Jessica and Scott Vannoy, Alicia and Derek Trivette, and their sons, Joseph and Bryne, and Shelia and Kevin Howell, all of West Jefferson; �special son� Jose �Kenny� Rios and his daughter, Samantha; special friends, Caroleen Watson, Mary Trivette, Jim Smith and Dewitt Cox; special cousin, Danny Wellborn; special sisters, Betty Hollars and Zola �Fred� Weatherman.; and his �sometimes� faithful poodle, Lucy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two cousins, Jimmy Miller and Jimmy Trivette.
Funeral services for William C. Miller will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 21st at 3 o�clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by Mr. Sam Lawson. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1:30 until 3 o�clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Masonic graveside services by Ashler Masonic Lodge # 373 and military graveside honors provided by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90 and American Legion Post 130 will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 90, 136 Bear Trail, Boone, NC 28607, or to Watauga Humane Society, Post Office Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with the Miller family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Miller family.