William 'Bill' Miller

OFFICIATING Reverend Robert Gralapp RECORDED MUSIC Johnny Cash Album "There You'll Be" Faith Hill HONORARY BEARERS All of Coach Miller's Basketball Players and Teachers William A. Miller, son of Andrew English Miller and Mary Louise (Fuhrman) Miller was born April 21, 1936 in Horton, KS. He lived with his family and grew up in Everest, KS where he attended school. Bill graduated with the Class of 1954. He then attended Highland Junior College for two years where he played basketball and football. He finished his undergraduate education at Peru State Teacher's College in Peru, NE in 1958. Bill started his long career in education and coaching at Virginia, NE where he taught and coached all sports in the small school followed by a short time at Falls City, NE and then Shubert, NE. Bill started teaching physical education, health, history and coaching boys' basketball in Manilla in 1966. On May 27, 1967 Bill was united in marriage with Marilyn I. Grage in Manilla. They made their home in Manilla and were the parents of two children. While raising a family and teaching and coaching, he earned his Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1980 and started serving as principal of Manilla High School. Bill continued coaching and led his teams to state basketball tournaments in 1975, 1976, 1987 and a runner up position in 1991. To honor his long time commitment to coaching, Bill was inducted into the IHSAA Coaches Hall of Fame in 2011. Bill retired in 1999. Over the years Bill thoroughly enjoyed riding and taking trips on his motorcycle. His wife Marilyn joined him on these trips. He was also an avid reader. During his retirement he drove bus for WindStar Bus Lines for six years, visiting many large cities in the United States. Bill was diagnosed with cancer a number of years ago. He stubbornly fought the disease, however his health eventually deteriorated. He was able to remain at home with the care of his loving family and hospice. He died there early Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 8 days. Preceding Bill in death are his parents; brother David Miller; sister Bonnie Albers and parents in law Floyd and Irene Grage. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Miller of Manilla; son Billy Miller of Arlington, TX; daughter Morgan and husband Matt Nelson of Manilla; son Shane Miller of Santa Barbara, CA; two grandchildren Mya and Mason Nelson of Manilla; two sisters Margaret Wiar of Arlington, TX and Mary Ann Miller of Rushville, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.