William "Bill" Edward Miller

William “Bill” Edward Miller, 81, of Salisbury, NC joined His Lord on Monday, May 15, 2017. Mr. Miller was a man who loved, respected and honored his family. He shared a close bond with his Boyden High School classmates of 1954, and loved to laugh and invoke laughter. Mr. Miller loved and lived life well. Mr. Miller was born in Albemarle, NC on April 29, 1936, son of the late Boyd Columbus Miller, Sr. and Hallie Talbert Miller. The family moved to Salisbury in 1944. He graduated from NC State University in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He attended Clemson University for post-graduate study in Ceramic Engineering. In 1965 Mr. Miller obtained his Registration as a Professional Mechanical Engineer. His extensive professional career included intermittent employment at Miller Equipment Company in Salisbury, serving as President for several years. He taught drafting at Rowan technical Institute early in his career. Radford Arsenal in Radford VA, Lockheed Aerospace in Huntsville, AL; Midrex Corporation in Charlotte, NC; Charleston Naval Shipyard in SC; and Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington DC were significant employers during his career. He won monetary awards for his work on the USS William V. Pratt, and on the USS Abraham Lincoln. He was the engineer aboard sea trials on the USS Abraham Lincoln. After retirement from Civil Service in 1990, he returned to Salisbury and started a consulting firm, Miller & Miller Associates. He continued to work as an engineer consultant until his health began to fail in 2006. Mr. Miller was a past member of The National Society of Professional engineers. He further served as a past member of the Rotary Club. Mr. Miller obtained his multi-engine rating and IFR license as a private pilot. He and his family enjoyed extensive travel in the US until his retirement. While employed by the Government, he traveled to Bahrain, Scotland, and to England. He was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying running four to six miles per day, playing tennis and golf, coaching Y-team basketball. He was a referee for high school football and basketball. Most important to him in sports was the North Carolina University Wolfpack. GO PACK! Mr. Miller served his church family in three states during his life. He was a Youth Leader, Deacon, Vacation Bible School Leader, Missions Leader, and Sunday school teacher of young children. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Salisbury. Preceding him in death was his brother, Boyd “Buddy” C. Miller, Jr. Surviving are his wife, Katherine Hill Miller; son, William E. Miller, Jr.; daughters, Anga Rae Miller; Melanie Jane Miller; and Laura Miller- Johnson; sister, Pamela Miller Guy; six grandchildren, Kiri Mariah Miller, Janiah Miller, Jamiel Miller, Karina Miller, Amanda Kate Johnson and Carter Elliott Johnson; and one great-grandchild. The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM Friday (May 19) at Summersett Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 2 PM in Summersett Memorial Chapel, conducted by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Lance; Minister of First Baptist Church. Entombment will follow at Rowan Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to Rowan County Hospice & Palliative Care, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Miller family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

William "Bill" Edward Miller

April 29, 1936 - May 15, 2017