Willard "Bill"-Miles-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, Inc. - Colchester

Willard "Bill" Miles

Aug 6, 1937 - Jul 3, 2015 (Age 77)

Guest Book

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Dear Alice, Sure do miss you, Sure do miss Bill's smiling face when we came to visit you.
He is always remembered as are you, we just have so much going on here that all I do is pray for everyone, especially those crossed and those ill.
Hugs and love sent. Carole

Dearest Alice, I just saw the notice in the paper. Please know you have all our deepest sympathy and prayers. He will be missed greatly. He and BJ must have had a great reunion. Call me if you need anything at all, even just a shoulder to cry on, a shopping buddy, or a hug! I will call you later.
Love and hugs always;
Carole and Family

DEAR ROXANNE, YOUR FATHER WAS THE BEST FATHER TO HIS KIDS FOR THE 20 YEARS WE WERE MARRIED. MY PORTER FAMILY LOVED HIM SO VERY MUCH AND HE LEFT US WITH SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES IN THE COUNTLESS HOURS HE WAS WITH US. HE WILL BE MISSED. Marge Porter Miles O'Brien [email protected]

Such a sweet sweet Man and I will miss him. I know in my heart that Bill is now with his best buddy, BJ and I hope the two of them are now fishing together in a beautiful, pain-free, happy place. My family's love to your family, always!

Obituary

Willard "Bill"'s Obituary

Willard “Bill” Miles, 77 of Lake Hayward, East Haddam, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Hartford Hospital. Born in Manhattan, New York on August 6, 1937, he was the son of the late John Miles and Audrey (Walters) Miles.  Bill married Alice Chamberlain Moore on May 26, 1979.  They moved to the tight-knit Lake Hayward community in 1982 and enjoyed the lake life. In addition to his beloved wife of 36 years, he is survived by his brother Stephen and wife Jeanette of Florida, daughter Roxanne and husband Richard Roy of East Haddam; two grandchildren, Joshua and Chelsea Roy and numerous extended family and friends.  He was predeceased by his son, Willard John “BJ” Miles just 3 months ago, his sisters Audrey and Monica and his brother, John. After graduating from Bacon Academy in Colchester (class of 1955) Bill served in the U.S. Army for a short time but was granted an honorable hardship discharge in order to run the family farm on Nelkin Road in Colchester, when his uncle Frank passed away unexpectedly. He was self-employed for many years as the owner of Advance Service Autobody in Colchester and as a real estate broker. He passed on his work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and knack for fixing cars to his son BJ. Bill was also a Deputy Sheriff in the 1970’s, owned other businesses and held other positions throughout the years such as a superintendent on bridge repairs and in the trucking industry. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and watching NASCAR racing lately following Connecticut native Joey Logano. He was an avid fan of UConn Women’s basketball. To his grandchildren he was known as “Poppy” and he was very proud that they are UConn alumni. He firmly believed in his 2nd amendment rights and was a lifetime member of the NRA and the North American Hunting Club. Bill was a survivor of the tragic Hartford Circus Fire on July 6, 1944. He attended the circus that day with his aunt Edith, and sisters Audrey and Monica. The fire claimed Edith and Monica’s lives. Bill was often asked to retell the story of that sad day and he attended many events honoring those that did not survive. Bill had a quirky sense of humor that was enjoyed by all those who knew him and he had a nickname for everyone. Most importantly, he will be sadly missed but remembered fondly for his love and devotion to family and friends. In keeping with Bill’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations please consider an act of kindness to others on Bill’s behalf. The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care of his services.

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