William Miller

William Miller

William Louis Miller, a resident of Columbia and Annapolis, died September 15 at Mandrin Hospice House after a three-year illness with myelodysplastic syndrome.

After graduating from Patterson Park High School in Baltimore City in June 1950, Bill attended Towson State Teachers College, now Towson University, receiving a BS degree in teaching in 1954. He taught at John Ruhrah Elementary School in the city school system until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He earned his Master's Degree in Education from Western Maryland College, now McDaniel, in 1967 and began teaching in the Baltimore County School System, later going into Administration.

From early childhood, Bill enjoyed music. He joined the original Colts Marching Band in its inaugural year, playing trombone for the band for 21 continuous years. The Marching Ravens honored Bill and others in 1997, the 50th anniversary of the Colts-Ravens Band, and again in 2007 for their 60th anniversary. He appeared and was interviewed for the Barry Levinson ESPN production, "The Band That Wouldn't Die", based on the history of the Colts Marching Band.

His love of jazz and big band sound continued until his health began failing. He played with several Baltimore ensembles, including the Middle River Concert Band, MR Danceband, the Tall Cedars Band, and Boumi Brass Band. His other interests included model railroading, and he was an avid collector of toy trains. Over the years, Bill received a variety of awards: MD Teacher of the Year in 1959, a plaque from the Colts Band in 1964, East Baltimore Exchange Club Citizen of the Year 1994, Patterson Alumni Hall of Fame induction in 1995 and Life Honorary Member of the Alumni in 1998.

In 1989, Bill became active with the Patterson High Alumni Association. He served as board member, president and treasurer. He was editor of the Clipper Log from 1989 until his death. The newsletter became a major fundraiser for Patterson High and provided educational materials, equipment, special programs, scholarships and other support. One of his final projects for Patterson was completed two days before his death, involving several Patterson faculty members being inducted into the Sports Legend Museum in Baltimore.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Cortright) Miller; brother, George H. Miller; niece, Lois Busky; two nephews, Jeff Miller and Chris Miller; and two cousins, Martha Glahn and Ruth Rosko. Funeral arrangements are private. Donations can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.