William “Bill” Jay Miller of Vicksburg, Michigan, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on October 3, 1949, the son of William and Virginia (Robinson) Miller.
Bill attended Portage Northern High School and was a member of its first graduating class. During his high school years, he sang in a local band and enjoyed playing both football and baseball.
Following high school, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. His service was a source of great pride throughout his life.
Bill spent more than thirty years working as a Lead Chemical Operator for UpJohn Pharmaceuticals. It was during his time there that he met Sally Herwick. The two fell in love and were married in December of 1979. Together, they made their home in Vicksburg, where they shared more than forty years of marriage and built a life filled with family, friendship, and adventure.
Bill and Sally loved to travel, especially to the Florida Keys, and enjoyed going on cruises together. They also purchased a cabin in northern Michigan near Bitely, where they spent many cherished vacations. Even after Sally became ill, the cabin remained a special place where they could spend time together.
Bill was devoted to Sally and cared for her for more than twenty years as she faced her illness. His commitment to her reflected the depth of his love and the devotion he carried throughout their marriage.
He enjoyed staying active and spending time with friends. Bill bowled every Tuesday night with the UpJohn League and played in a mixed league on Saturdays. He was an avid fisherman and owned several boats throughout the years, enjoying countless days on the water with Sally and fishing wherever they could. He also loved hunting whitetail deer, particularly in the Vicksburg and Bitely areas.
Bill was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Schoolcraft, Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally (Herwick) Miller, and his parents.
Left to cherish his loving memory are his stepchildren, Richard Pearson and Laurie Pearson; grandchildren, Dustin, Raieen, Raisen Pearson, and Joshua Cranmore; sisters, Sandra Dewar and Sharon (Bob) Allison; his son, William John Miller; and a couple of nieces and nephews.
A time of visiting and fellowship will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. A volunteer honor guard will perform military honors in the parking lot of the funeral home at 11:30 a.m.
Bill will be remembered for his proud service to his country, his unwavering devotion to Sally, and the countless memories he made with family and friends on the water, in the woods, and at the places he loved most.
While at amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Bill’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.
The Miller family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.
