Stanley Leo Miller

Building Contractor Stanley Leo Miller left this world to join his Lord and Savior on January 8, 2010. Stan was born to Marvin and Mae Miller in Exeter, Ca. on October 19, 1927 and lived most of his life in Visalia. While attending Visalia Union High School he met his idol and love of his life, Helen Avery. As a student, he was high school student body president and played football and baseball, continuing to play sports while at College of the Sequoia, graduating in 1947. While still at C.O.S. he and Helen were married in her mother's home on April 8, 1947. He earned his B.S. in civil engineering at University of Pacific, returning to Visalia where he started his general contracting business, S.L. Miller Inc. and S.L. Miller Construction in 1957. Stanley was a highly regarded and respected local contractor who has built hundreds of buildings including churches, commercial and civic buildings during more than 35 years in business. Stan built the original Visalia Medical Clinic, the original Mineral King Bank and the original Visalia Community Bank. He also built numerous cold storage and packing houses between Fresno and Bakersfield. In addition, he was involved in many real estate development projects, creating industrial parks and shopping centers throughout Visalia. Stan was known for his philanthropic work. His generosity has been responsible for the creation of numerous projects. He helped the Visalia YMCA with its daycare and camping programs and in 1979 built the Y's gymnasium at his cost, donating to the Kaweah Delta hospital foundation and the Tulare County Historical Society among others. He was active for many years with the First Baptist Church, both building and donating a large sum for their new complex. Stan was a founding member of the Tulare-Kings Employers' Council and Visalia Community Bank. He was a long time member of Visalia Rotary Club and served on the C.O. S. Foundation Board plus other boards. Stan always credited his wife Helen for being an important partner in all of his accomplishments. They enjoyed traveling many places together. After retirement Stan discovered a passion for studying the bible, often three to four hours a day. Stan is survived by his wife Helen and four sons, Craig Miller and wife, Penny; Bruce Miller and wife, Patricia; Russel Miller and former wife, Laura Miller and Cary Miller; his sisters Clettis McManus of Kingsburg and Norma Dell Miller of Concord, brother Truman Miller of Reno, NV. Grandchildren, Calli Eggleston, Aaron Miller, Elly Chatten, Sara Miller, Dalton and Wyatt Miller, step grandchildren Brooklyn Sollars and Randa Kelch, great grandchildren Alexander and Gabriel Eggleston. Services will be graveside at the Visalia Cemetery Monday January 18, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to your church of choice or charity. Arrangements by Millers Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.