Name: Visitation for William Miller
Start: 2018-02-13T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-02-13T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Holy Family Catholic Community

Bill (William) Miller 78 died Monday, January 29, 2018 at Meritus Hospital, Hagerstown MD

He was born in Bronx New York on July 22, 1939, the son of the late Joe Bear Miller and Harriett Block Miller, of Miami FL.

After college Bill served his time in the Navy/Marine corps. From there he went into a career in radio. He was the popular radio DJ and personality of Tiger Bob Raleigh, at WPGC in Bladensburg, MD, WPOC in Baltimore, and later as a radio sales rep. for WAFY and WFMD in Frederick.

Bill's joys in life included his loving wife, Mary, son Michael, trivia (he was hard to beat) , model railroading, rodeo, baseball, and old movies.

He was a devoted husband and father and always loved to crack a wry joke to put the room at ease.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary Synowiec Miller and son, Michael Marc Miller.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, February 13 at 9 AM until the time of the Mass at 10 AM at Holy Family Catholic Community in Middletown Maryland with Msgr Rob Jaskot as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Holy Family Catholic Community 7321 Burkittsville Rd, Middletown Maryland 21769

Donald B. Thompson Funeral Home, Middletown is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Frederick News-Post from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Miller

Sponsored by Thompson-Harman Funeral Home, P.A. - Middletown.

29 Entries

Tony Koester

January 25, 2025

It seems like only yesterday that we were sharing a laugh, touring the RGS together, operating your railroad, munching Mary's home-baked cookies, joining you with Jim Boyd on your morning radio show. Great memories, "Tiger Bob"!

Frank Pearsall

January 25, 2023

Something will happen in my daily activities, and it reminds of Bill. I still think of him often. Mary, I hope you are doing well.

Tony Koester

January 25, 2023

Every time I turn the power on for my railroad and hear the birds chirping merrily away and, in the distance, a John Deere tractor firing up, or a muted telegraph chattering away, I think of Bill and the great times we shared. Rest in peace, my friend.

Tony Koester

January 25, 2022

No one will ever forget Bill "Tiger Bob" Miller! I think of him often.

Tony Koester

January 25, 2021

A lot of us miss Bill and his "Tiger Bob" radio persona. He was a man of many talents, and he shared them with us. He was lucky to have Mary at his side for so many years. Semper Fi, my friend.

Michael Miller

January 25, 2021

I can't believe it has been almost 3 years...I miss him so much...It really was true what his dad, my grandpa Joe Bear used to say...the days and weeks are slow but the years fly by....I think about dad every day....

Christine Carlin

July 24, 2020

I worked with Bill for 5 years at WPGC in early to mid '70's. I always had the utmost respect for him. He was very professional & always extremely concerned about anything he had a hand in creating. I'm just so sorry I didn't know of his passing or where to contact him before his death. May you Rest In Peace, dear Bill, & condolences to your family.

February 3, 2018

John and I will always remember you when we watch Jeopardy Bill. Always one step ahead of everyone else in the room and knowledge to beat the band. Thanks for making our family so special. May you Rest in Peace dear Brother.

February 3, 2018

John and I will always remember you when we watch Jeopardy Bill. Always so smart and a step ahead of everyone else in the room. You could never beat him in the knowledge game. We always learned something new from you and about you every time we spoke. Thanks for making our family so special. Rest In Peace dear brother.

Keith Wiseman

February 2, 2018

Mary, Sorry to hear of the Passing of Bill. You are in Our thoughts and prayers.

Bruce & Mary Saylor

February 1, 2018

Sorry for your loss Mary. Due to my health issues and weak immune system my doctor says to stay away from crowds in fear of catching something that could knock me down.
Bill was a great guy and was loved by many. I liked his attitude. Hang in there sweetie.

February 1, 2018

As a young child, I remember listening to 'Tiger' Bob Raleigh on WPGC when it was in it's heyday. Every aspiring Top-40 DJ wanted to be like him. He was a role model for countless people who got into the radio biz. Bill was a radio legend in the DC/Baltimore area. He never bragged about it in his retirement years, but he had the right to. He was one of the best, if not the best, at his craft. RIP Bill.

February 1, 2018

I knew Bill on the model railroad side of things from the early 1970s. He was always willing to share his vast knowledge with me and it helped improve my own model railroad abilities.

We had a common thread from having been in the Marine Corps and we were always trying to top each other with dumb stories.

When I became a DJ in 2012, I always wanted to tell Bill about it, but just never got around to it. I guess I'll have to wait until I see him on the other side.

Frank Pearsall, Brevard, N.C.

February 1, 2018

Steve and I loved having Bill as a brother in law and Steve especially loved to test his memory against Bill's since they both often triumphed in Trivial pursuit Bill certainly could pull things out of his hat that could leave you laughing hysterically or shake your head in amazement at his ability to remember and recitewe will never forget his "om wan way catz alama Zay" story !!! He was truly a special personality and we were so honored to have had him as part of our family.

February 1, 2018

Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from God's word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio

Tony Koester

February 1, 2018

Despite the feeling of loss, I can't help but remember the good times, the many laughs we had over the years. He made a difference as a person, as a Marine, as a friend, and as a hobbyist. He has earned a lasting peace.

Bob Charles

February 1, 2018

A loving husband, exceptional humorist, excellent teacher, outstanding model railroader and for me a dependable lifelong friend. Bill will be sorely missed by all who loved him. Rest well, brother!

February 1, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear loved one. One day many will will have the opportunity to live again. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. (John 17:3)

Lee Michael Demsey

February 1, 2018

One of the most wonderful radio personalities at WPGC, from my youth, and I'll always be grateful.

Gerry Cornwell

February 1, 2018

Our sincere condolences to Mary and the family. We will always cherish our good times together at railroad conventions, and the fond memories of your trips to Canada.
Sincerely, Gerry & Marilyn

February 1, 2018

To the family of William Miller I would like to express my condolence to you may the God of comfort bring comfort to you with his right arm extended to you Isa.41:10

Anonymous

February 1, 2018

I worked with Bob for a brief time in radio. We reunited again for a bit near the end of his career. He was a no nonsense and candid kind of guy...but in a very troubled time in his life, he came to the Lord. 'He that cometh unto Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live'. It was my privilege to see him sincerely pray the prayer of salvation. He's now claiming those promises and has entered into the presence of Christ. Prayers for comfort for his family and friends at this time.

Todd Grimted

February 1, 2018

The Bobber was a beloved member of that great family we had at WPOC in the early 80's. Lost touch but never did, or will ever forget him. One of the most memorable radio "characters" I'm proud to have known and called friend.

January 31, 2018

My condolences to your family during this difficult time. May the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 comfort your family.

Enjoying the Module Meet together.

Lex Parker

January 31, 2018

We will miss our frequent conversations about everything in life, and especially our shared hobby of model railroading. You inspired me to be a better modeller, thank you Bill.

Tom Conroy

January 31, 2018

It was my honor to work with Bill at WPOC back in the early 1980s, a fine broadcaster and a very special person. He confided in me a number of times, it was an honor to have known him. By the way, he had a passion for model railroading at retirement. Prayers to his family for their loss.

Bill Miller as 'Tiger Bob Raleigh' at WPGC in Washington DC in 1966.

Webmaster www.amandfmmorningside.com

January 31, 2018

Bill Miller first came to WPGC in Washington in 1966 from KOIL in Omaha for nights. By 1968, Program Director, 'Cousin' Warren Duffy promoted him to Morning News duties with Harv Moore as well as Production Director when Marv Brooks left the station to launch the automated Oldies format on WMOD.

Bill was the very definition of the consummate Pro, handling air shifts, the news and producing spots with aplomb. He was noted for his character voices, often bringing to life station promotions such as the 'Missing W' in which he personified the mysterious, 'Dr. Strangeletter' who had stolen the 'W' from PGC. Read the amusing story of how he got locked out of the station one morning while filling in for Harv Moore and the painful outcome!:

http://www.amandfmmorningside.com/wpgc_mystery_of_bob_raleighs_explained.html#05

Bill had inherited the WPGC house name, 'Bob Raleigh' upon his arrival at the insistence of General Manager, Bob Howard. This, despite the fact that the original 'Bob Raleigh' at WPGC (Raleigh Ferreira) was still using the name at WWDC concurrently and the fact there had been three other jocks at WPGC who used it before Bill!

Things were taken to the absurd when in late 1969, a new midday jock arrived at the station whose real name was (wait for it.....), Dewitt Robert Raleigh, aka, 'Bob Raleigh'. Bob Howard, ever the showman, concocted the notion that the two were related as father and son (nevermind they were very close in age) and ordered they be known on the air thereafter as 'Bob Raleigh, Sr.' and 'Bob Raleigh, Jr.' When Dewitt left the station in 1971, Bill quickly lost the suffix to his air name.

Mr. Miller's long tenure at WPGC was second only to Harv Moore's by a year, spending a remarkable 11 years there through the 'Great Strike That Struck Out' in May of 1977. After the strike, he landed on his feet, doing mornings in Baltimore at WPOC (as the DJ, not the news guy). Years later upon his retirement he moved to Frederick and pursued his other passion, model railroading. He became a noted authority on the hobby, appearing in enthusiasts' magazines and videos in which he'd take patrons on a tour of his layout patterned after an actual railroad in the 1800's.

Few on air performers had the long reaching impact that Bill Miller had. His was a voice indelibly associated with WPGC during its greatest years of glory, not the least of which was being the voice of 'Sound Offs' when 'Mr. Sound Off' himself, Bob Howard left the station in 1974. See more photos and hear tons of audio of Bill in action here:

http://www.amandfmmorningside.com/wpgc_mystery_of_bob_raleighs_explained.html

tom hanks

January 31, 2018

bill was one helluvah man. hes the reason i didnt kill myself

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