Billy J. Miller, 79 - April 10, 2014

BENSON — Billy J. Miller, 79, of Benson, passed away at 5:27 a.m. Thursday (April 10, 2014) at Advocate Eureka Community Hospital, Eureka.

Billy was born July 18, 1934, in Benson, a son of Jesse "Jack" and Elizabeth M. Aeschliman Miller. He married Shirley B. Manchester on Aug. 5, 1956, in Pattonsburg. She survives.

Other survivors include his son, Jeff (Mary) Miller, Lisle; a daughter, Julie (Brian) Haig, Osage, Minn.; two sisters, Patricia (Charles) Rudin, Benson, and Marlene (David) O'Neill, Palos Park; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Miller, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Rachel Miller, Lisle; Niki Haig, Wadena, Minn.; and Cody Haig, Park Rapids, Minn.; three great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, JoAnn (Rodney) Ruestman, Minonk; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Billy's father started Miller Painting in Benson and Billy continued the business on his own for more than 50 years. He graduated from Brown's Business School and was an avid NASCAR and Chicago Bulls fan.

Billy was a lifelong resident of Benson and was very proud to live there.

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Knapp Johnson Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke. The Rev. Nathan Feig will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Benson American Legion.