Mr. William “Bill” Eugene Miller, age 78, passed away Sunday morning, September 2, 2018, at his home on Ocracoke Island, NC after many years of declining health caused by Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome.
Bill was born on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Laurel Springs, NC on August 8, 1940, to the late Reo and Clara Miller. He spent his youth in West Jefferson, NC before attending North Carolina State University where he received his B.S. in Physics in 1962.
Bill is survived by his wife, Gael Mohan Hawkins; sister, Jane Banks and husband John of West Jefferson, NC; six daughters, Jeannine Forrest (Braedon) of Hampton, VA, Shawn Edmonds (Dan) of Texarkana, TX, Carla Cline of Norfolk, VA, Kristy Matthews (Bill) of Irmo, SC, Kimberly Variano (David) of Jacksonville, FL, and Karen Miller of Hampton, VA; ten grandchildren, Jennifer, Heather, Dennis, Devon, Madison, Zachary, Tyler, David, Clark, and Meaghan; and one great-granddaughter, Ashlyn. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Miller.
Bill was a career engineer with the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), Langley Research Center. During his more than 40 years with NASA, he held numerous positions including Research Engineer, Project Engineer, Instrument Manager, and Branch Manager. He first served as consultant on radiation and flight projects for the Explorer series and Viking where he was recognized as a NASA expert in development of monolithic detector arrays. He was responsible for the development of eye safe, solid state laser and Lidar systems for the global remote sensing of winds, one of the Agency’s top priorities. He was honored with numerous individual and group awards and patents including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for Engineering Excellence for the Haloe Occultation Experiment that was launched on Space Shuttle Discovery in 1991 and continued to provide global scale data on ozone and other key trace gases needed to study middle atmosphere ozone depletion until 2005.
Although the mountains of North Carolina were his first love, he chose to retire at Ocracoke where in the early years he enjoyed surf fishing and night star gazing. The quiet beauty of the island and the kindness of its residents brought him great pleasure, as did his evening gin and tonic, his love of reading, and visits from his children and sister.
Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service. A family and friends gathering will be held in late September at his family cemetery in Ashe Co., NC.
The family suggests donations in Bill Miller’s name be made to the Ocracoke Preservation Society, PO Box 1240, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.
Twiford Funeral Home (Manteo)
500 Budleigh Street, PO Box 595,
Fax: (252) 473-3392
Email: David.Twiford.Jr@TwifordFH.com
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Karen Miller
September 5, 2018 at 2:00 pmI am going to miss you Dad. You left too early. Love always, Karen.
The Lundberg and Variano Families.
September 5, 2018 at 9:23 pmOur prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. RIP Bill, you are now guarding you island.
Johnson Family
September 5, 2018 at 10:30 pmOur family will always remember the neat conversations about NASA and the old days of Ashe Co. NC.
Duncan Wallace
September 7, 2018 at 10:14 amBerny and I were so sorry to learn of Bill’s death. What an impressive resume of accomplishments but also just a wonderful caring and loving person who we were privileged to know.
The Hatfield Family
September 7, 2018 at 4:05 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Len & Peg McMaster
September 7, 2018 at 4:16 pmBill was a valued colleague at NASA, and he and Gael were also valued friends. Our hearts go out to Gael and his family.
Richard and Dorrie Green
September 8, 2018 at 9:01 amWe loved that we could always make Bill laugh, mostly due to our silliness. Thank you for welcoming us when we came for our much needed respites, even though it’s been way too long since the last one. Love to you, Gael and family.
Jerry Kelley
September 8, 2018 at 12:26 pmSorry to hear of your loss Gael.Jerry,Judi,and Missy Kelley from Lancaster,Pa.
Sherri Yokum
September 8, 2018 at 8:32 pmI am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Gosh, I have a lot of childhood memories of he and his family living across the street from me…Prayers are sent up forGael and his family. May you all find some comfort in this difficult time.
Anne Overbay
September 8, 2018 at 9:07 pmSo sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Enjoyed the times we were coworkers at NASA. My prayers for Gael and the rest of the family!
Simone
September 8, 2018 at 10:06 pmGael, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers my dear friend.
Grace West
September 9, 2018 at 7:47 amOur hearts break for your loss Gael. Sending love and prayers.
Grace and Henry
Michelle Burrus
September 9, 2018 at 11:51 amSo sorry for your loss .
Karla and Joel
September 9, 2018 at 12:19 pmThough we are saddened by Bill’s passing, the starry array above Ocracoke is even brighter now. We will remember Bill always, on our visits to the island and when we are away.
Karla and Joel
Bethlehem. PA
Cathy
September 9, 2018 at 2:00 pmSo sorry to here of Bill Millers death. He was the same age as my oldest brother Sam Davis . We all grew up in west Jefferson together. Fond memories. Cathy Davis Yates
Dan Bradford
September 9, 2018 at 2:56 pmIt sounds like he had an impressive career and a full life. I know Gael enhanced his life greatly, as he did her’s. I’m sorry for your loss.
Tata kellam
September 10, 2018 at 8:20 amYour success was appreciated You we’re blessed to have Gail by your side
Nancy and Steve Schott
September 11, 2018 at 9:45 pmJeannine and Braden,
So very sorry for the loss of your dad, Jeannine. We want to express our sympathy and let you know that our thoughts are with you and your family.
Thinking of you with love,
Judy & Steve Senior
September 24, 2018 at 4:39 amWe are truly sorry to hear of William’s passing. Please accept our condolences and respects.