Charles Henry Miller

Charles Henry Miller, 90, of Quinebaug, CT, died, Monday, August 25, 2008 at Lanessa Extended Care in Webster.

He was born in Amarillo, Texas on March 4, 1918 to Lee Jacobus Miller and Sarah Mabel (Barnes) Miller. His mother died when he was 9 and his father died when he was 13. His Aunt Lucille Gross was appointed as his guardian and he moved to San Francisco with her.

He graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco in 1935 and enlisted in the Navy at age 17. His first duties were on the U.S.S. Soley DD707 and the U.S.S. Cincinnati. In 1937 he was stationed on the new U.S.S. Yorktown CV5. In 1942 the Yorktown was in the Battle of the Coral Sea and was sent to Pearl Harbor for repairs after a torpedo hit. After 72 hours of repairs it left for Midway rendezvous. His ship sank and he was fortunate to be picked up by a passing American ship. The Navy was his life and he served 20 years. He was stationed in Sassabo, Japan and was in charge of an oil tender for several years. His other duty stations were Long Beach, CA, Kawadje Islands and Honolulu, Hawaii. He was also a personal driver for Admiral Inglis for several years in San Diego, CA.

After his 20 year retirement as a Chief Petty Officer he went to a Technical School and upon graduation went to work for Civil Services in the Radiac Instrument Repair Facility where he later was appointed Director of the facility in charge of calibrating the instruments for navy ships and working 20 years for them in San Diego, CA. After that retirement he worked for Admiral Baker Navy Golf Course in the Pro Shop at San Diego for 5 years.

Being widowed for some time, he married the former Verna (Gard) Hammond April 23, 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada and they lived in San Diego, CA for 9 years. They moved to Ocala, FL and lived there for 18 years and finally moved to Quinebaug Park, Quinebaug, CT.

Besides his loving wife he leaves his step daughter Pamela S. Bouchard of S. Woodstock, CT who he dearly loved as a daughter and friend. He was also very fond of his son-in-law, John Bouchard, who was especially good to him. He also leaves 2 cousins, Dr. Richard Gross of Medina, Ohio and Shirley Pittman of Dallas, Texas, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Carol Dergan in San Diego, CA and their families, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Frank and Louise Gard in Charlton, MA and their families.

He was a wonderful husband and a special person who always saw some good in everyone. When you met him you liked him immediately and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM, prior to the service. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 1:30 PM at Northside Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Charlton. Flowers are acceptable or donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

morrillfuneralhome.com