Fr. William Miller, C.PP.S., 88, died on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in the infirmary at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio, where he made his home.

Fr. Miller was born on February 16, 1936, in Bellevue, Ohio, to Arthur f. and Mary J. (Hohman) Miller. He entered the Congregation in 1950 at Brunnerdale, the Congregation's former high school seminary outside of Canton, Ohio. He was ordained on June 8, 1963, at St. Charles.

Fr. Miller served God's people in parish ministry during most of his more than 60 years as a priest.

He was parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia, Missouri., from 1964-69; and St Mary Church in Centerville, Iowa, from 1969-73. In 1973, he was appointed director of seminarians at Precious Blood Seminary in Liberty, Missouri.

Fr. Miller returned to parish life in 1977, when he became pastor of St. Michael, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony and St. Bernard Churches in Linton, North Dakota. He served there for 10 years.

In 1989, he became pastor of St. Anne Church in Warsaw, Missouri, and Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Cole Camp, Missouri. He returned to Sacred Heart Parish in Sedalia in 1992, and also served in the mission church of St. John the Evangelist, Bahner, Missouri. Fr. Miller served on the provincial council of the Kansas City Province from 1995-1999.

In later years, Fr. Miller also served at Sacred Heart Church in Chariton, Iowa, and mission churches at St. Francis, Corydon, Iowa, and St. Brendan, Leon, Iowa. Beginning in 2011, he served at Sacred Heart Church in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he lived with and assisted the pastor and good friend, the late Father Joe Miller.

Fr. Miller moved in 2015 to St. Charles Center, making his home among his brother Missionaries. While he was still able, he was an enthusiastic and much-loved substitute at local parishes.

Survivors include sisters Carol Aichholz of Attica, Ohio, Betty (Gil) Shultz of Northville, Michigan and a sister-in-law Phyllis Miller of Tiffin, Ohio. He also had 13 nieces & nephews - Nick (Diane) Miller, Mark (Tina) Miller, Jan (Neil) Shingledecker, Beth (Ned) Walliser, Cindy (Gerry) Brookes, Alan (Aimee) Aichholz, Karen (Greg) Niedermeier, Lori (Steve) Hohler, Tammy (Carl) Daniel, Todd (Ashley) Aichholz, Gina Aichholz, Chris (Sherry) Shultz & Michael (Julie) Shultz, many great nieces & nephews and also some great, great nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dick Miller, a brother-in-law, Eugene Aichholz and an infant brother, Dominic.

While still a student at Brunnerdale, Fr. Miller received the nickname "Bigger" and carried it with him throughout his life. Certainly, his generous heart was bigger than most. He was a man of compassion and kindness, which made him a wonderful and beloved pastor. Fr. Bill captured what Pope Francis once said about pastors being close to the people: "We are always priests with all our soul and with all our heart. Being an ambassador of Christ is a mission that penetrates our entire being."

His love for the priesthood and for the Community was revealed when he saw a fellow Missionary of the Precious Blood, or Precious Blood Companion, or a member of a parish where he once served. He would smile a smile that filled his face. It was the biggest smile folks had ever seen.

Visitation will be held in the parlor at St. Charles (2860 US Route 127, Celina, OH) on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 12:45 pm to 7 pm and again on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 10 am to the time of the service at 2 pm.

A Wake Service will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The funeral service will be held in the Assumption Chapel with Fr. Bill Hubman, C.PP.S. will be the celebrant and Fr. Jack McClure, C.PP.S. will be the homilist.