Retired Colonel William "Bill" Joseph Miller Jr., age 72, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares, FL.

Bill lived in Mount Dora, FL, with his wife of fifteen years Anne Marchetti Miller.

He was born September 22, 1945 in New York City, New York, the son of the late William and Marie Miller.  Bill moved to Conover, NC in 1957 and graduated from Newton-Conover High School in 1963.   After graduation, he attended Catawba College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University.

After college, Bill joined the United States Army and completed Officer Candidate School in 1969.  His duty assignments included a tour in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader and multiple assignments at The Pentagon.  The highlight of his military career was serving as Commander of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, Charlestown, IN.  During his military service, Bill received the following awards: The Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Army Staff Commendation Medal for Valor and three Purple Hearts.  After thirty years of military service to his country, Bill retired with the rank of Colonel, then went on to serve as a US Diplomat in South Holland.

Bill enjoyed traveling, fishing, boating and watching football.  His life experiences and leadership roles made conversation with him interesting and engaging.  Bill will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Anne, include a sister Chris Herman and fiancé Don Patrick of Conover, NC, a niece Amy Matthews (Andy) of Conover, NC, and a nephew Jason (Lisa) Herman of Newton NC.

A celebration of life service will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, May 3 ^rd at Lake Receptions, 4425 N Hwy 19A, Mt. Dora, FL, 32757.

Bill's love of animals began at an early age and continued throughout his life.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake County Animal Shelter, 28123 County Road 561, Tavares, FL, 32778.  Memorials may also be made to Women for Hospice, PO Box 1741, Mt. Dora, FL, 32756.

The Miller family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Allen J. Harden Funeral Home, Mt Dora FL.

Condolences may be sent to the Miller family at www.allenjharden.com