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William Franklin Miller Obituary
June 15, 1927 - May 15, 2022
Olympia, Washington - Our beloved father and grandfather William (Bill) Franklin Miller died peacefully on May 15, 2022 with family by his side. Born on June 15, 1927 in Aurora, Illinois, to Mary Cary Deets Miller and Glenn Gibson Miller, Bill was the third of four brothers (Edward, Glenn and James). During WWII, he graduated from high school six months early and, along with his younger brother, enlisted in the Navy to join his two older brothers at war. He was stationed aboard the USS New Jersey in the Pacific. Upon his return, Bill studied horseshoeing at Michigan State University using the GI bill. This was the beginning of a career that lasted over 60 years. He was a charter member of the American Farrier's Association and was later inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. Bill married twice. He had two children, Doug and Jan, with his first wife Gloria, and later had three more children, William (Chip), Laura, and Jill, with his second wife Marilyn. He relocated from Naperville, Illinois, to Olympia, Washington, in 1977 to start teaching horseshoeing at South Puget Sound Community College. He often referred to the Pacific Northwest as "God's country" and to Illinois as "somewhere you are FROM." Bill retired from teaching in 1991 but continued to shoe horses another 15 years. He also worked with iron and could be found designing and creating anything from crosses to flower hooks to mailbox stands until the final year of his life. He was proud to be a father, a friend, a Christian, a neighbor and, of course, a horseshoer. He will be dearly missed.
Bill is preceded in death by his mother, father and three brothers. He is survived by children, Doug (Bea), Jan (Jon), Chip (Viktoria), Jill (Josh), Laura (Jack) and grandchildren, Mike, Kirsten, Mallory, Catherine, Tillie, Emmett, Kiley, and Glenn as well as five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held in Olympia at the South Bay Grange on June 26 from 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the USO or VA Puget Sound Healthcare.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Franklin Miller
Jim Protiva
June 30, 2024
Bill was my farrier instructor in the early 80's. He sent Christmas cards long after I was gone from Olympia. What a mentor. I still have a shoe with caulks he made in record time.
Jim Protiva West Plains, MO
Dick Kuhn
August 15, 2022
Billy was our blacksmith for our riding stable in Naperville until the late 70's
we had over 100 head and as a young boy I loved when Billy came for his shoeing days
I am a musician to this day focusing on rock pop. We talked music all the time--he didnt like my music and back then I wasnt crazy for bluegrass
He loved his annual trio the the big bluegrass fest
I am my entire family loved Billy and we offer our most sincere condolences.....dick kuhn from Fairlane Farms Naperville Il
Mary K Smith
June 25, 2022
Dear Marilyn and Kids,
This is Mary Simpson Smith again!
I have just had an unexpected situation come up, so George & I will not be able to make it to Bill's memorial tomorrow. I'm heartbroken!
I and my siblings will be making a donation to the USO in Bill's memory.
Please accept our sincere prayers for your on-going healing and comfort and our apologies for missing his memorial.
I will be writing to you soon, Marilyn. God bless you!
Jani H
June 24, 2022
While I did not know Bill well, I know he helped make 3 amazing children that I knew. He always walked his own path, was quiet and calm even when kids were running around everywhere. I am so sorry for the loss to our community, but know that he is resting and at peace.
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Bob Cleveland Friend and Bill's shoeing school associate
June 21, 2022
Bill was a stand up guy, and excellent instructor. He
was easy to work with and liked be his students. We worked together with horses with problems. He will be missed, but there are horses to be shoed in heaven. Bless you Bill.
Dave & Sharon Richison
June 17, 2022
Sorry for your loss, was a great guy
Mary K Simpson-Smith
May 29, 2022
To Bill's Dear Family~ I and my husband George want to tell you how very much we love Bill. I say "love" in the present tense because Bill is still alive. In fact, he is more alive than ever now that he is truly Home with his Precious Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!
Bill was my Dad Scott's best friend for many years and it was such a delight whenever they would come to visit.
After Scott passed away George and I were in a serious car accident in which we both broke our necks. Bill took it upon himself to send us money to help cover our expenses because, "Your Dad isn't here to help you and I want to do it for him." What an amazingly loving friend he was! We couldn't thank him enough!
It had been about 3 years since we spoke on the phone but I am so looking forward to hearing his voice and hearty laugh again when we are reunited in Heaven! You have every reason to be proud of your wonderful, talented, honorable, and humble Patriarch! May you feel God's comfort in the days ahead as you reflect on your favorite memories of Bill.
Respectfully with Love,
Mary
Howie Simpson
May 28, 2022
I was devastated to hear of Bill´s passing. He and my dad, Scott Simpson were the best of friends for so long that I hardly remember the time when Bill wasn´t in the picture. I leaned on him heavily when my dad passed; he was an amazing support.
Two years after my daddy´s passing, I was honored to be able to present the first award given in his name at the AFA Convention. But even better than that, Bill (along with Mike Williams) was my personal escort the entire weekend, and we shared so many stories and laughs. I was treated like royalty, all because of him.
I looked forward to his emails and Christmas cards. I miss him so much, but I take comfort knowing he is in heaven praising the Lord and shoeing the heavenly horses with my daddy.
A few years ago I compiled a list of "Bill-isms" and I will make sure to use these phrases to help carry on his legacy. My sincerest condolences to the Miller family. I will continue to lift you up in prayer.
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