Lionel William “Bill” Miller, 94, Fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church,  passed peacefully on January 17th, 2022.

Bill was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 19, 1927 to Clarence and Ella (nee Wildhaber) Miller.

He graduated from Cleveland High School where he was an enthusiastic student and, as a young athlete,  developed his love of sport and succeeded in his niche of Track and Field.

Before continuing his education he served his country in the Merchant Marines

stationed off the coast of France. Returning stateside, Bill entered Indiana University, where he became a letterman (track and field), married his life’s love and wife of 65 years, Gilda (nee Shearin) and went on to the University of Illinois to earn his Master’s Degree.

Bill (please don't call me Lionel), over time, was referred to as Willie, LW, Big Daddy, B3, dad and grandpa...But the moniker he cherished the most was "Coach".

Competitive, organized and motivating, Coach first served as Track and Field, Cross Country,  Swimming coach and teacher at Beaumont High School in St. Louis, building Track and Field as a "team" sport with increasing student participation. During his tenure, he led his teams to eight Missouri State Championships. With other MOB (Men of Beaumont) members, teammates, still meet monthly to enjoy and reminisce about the proud Blue Jacket days.

When the St. Louis Community College system was developing, they recruited Bill as Athletic Director for Florissant Valley to create an Athletic and Physical Education program to be the model for all three SLCC institutions, a program that remained intact after his retirement in 1994.

Bill and his wife loved to travel - NYC, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Carolina, summers in Europe, Rome for the 1960 Summer Olympics and the finale, a trip around the world that was visualized for years and realized in 365 days - a lifetime highlight.

As he 'Picked Up' golf later in life he achieved his goal of shooting 80 by 80 and, for many years, enjoyed the annual competition of the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Golf Tournament with his son Jeff, not only winning his flight but also winning the Father/Son competition AT the age of 80!

Part time, Bill successfully developed and coordinated Football and Basketball Speaker clinics on University campuses across the country featuring Big 10, Big 8 leading coaches of the day.

He also believed “professionally, the nicest thing that can ever happen is to be honored by your peers” --- and the Coach was, with inductions into the following halls of fame: St. Louis Coaches, Charter Inductee Missouri Track & Field, National Association Collegiate Athletic Directors and NJCAA Track & Field. In addition, the National Alliance of College Athletic Administrators established an award in his name presented annually to a member who demonstrates excellence in leadership, service and integrity in an athletic program.

He lived the life he envisioned and preached the same philosophy of enjoying your work and performing at your best.

With all of his accomplishments he gave his children someone to emulate. He leaves us with great memories, a smile on our faces and a future to continue.

Bill is survived by his children, Dan (Julie), Jeff and Jan (Dave) and grandchild, Meagan.

The family would especially like to thank his loyal caregiver, Jeanne, the staff at Hawthorne Place and the compassionate sisters and staff at Mother of Good Counsel for their loving care and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, 8050 Watson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119 <https://gslhonorflight.org/>

Visitation Tuesday 12pm - 1pm at Bopp Chapel.  Interment Private.