Earl Theodore Miller

Earl Theodore Miller was born January 16, 1927 to John Samuel and Margaret (Flaharty) Miller in Danville, IL. Earl died peacefully in his sleep early Friday morning, January 22, 2016, from Alzheimer's disease. Buddy, as his family called him, grew up in Danville and attended Cannon Elementary School and Danville High School where he graduated in May 1945. He was immediately drafted into the Army. He spent time in China, Japan and South Korea. When he was discharged from the Army and returned to Danville, he and his fiance, Helen Mabel Billings, were married August 27, 1949. Helen's wedding dress was made of white silk that Earl brought back from China. Earl and Helen met in Sunday School at the Danville Free Methodist Church on Bowman St. Earl graduated from Greenville College, Greenville, IL in 1960 to fulfill his dream of becoming a school teacher. While at Greenville, Earl sang in the Cappella Choir in the tenor section with his beautiful Irish tenor voice. Earl taught school for many years in Danville and Elgin, Illinois, and two years in Alaska for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. Earl taught in elementary schools in Danville, as well as, Middle School and High School in Elgin, IL where he taught Social Studies, Economics, Business and Civics. Throughout his life, Earl was a faithful member of the Free Methodist Church. Earl was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. Earl is survived by his five daughters and their families, Margaret Miller Dawn, Edie Miller (David) Reay, Kathy Miller (John) Jones, Elizabeth Miller and Andrea Miller (Juan Carlos) Fierro. Earl was grandfather to Nicholas (Noy) Jones, Elyse Dawn, Betsy Dawn, Jessica Miller, Emma Dieguez (Brandon) Trinko, Alia Fierro, Tyler Jones, Ana Fierro, and Samantha Muro. He was great-grandfather to Leelah Jones, Landon Jones and Amira Williams. He was uncle to twelve nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and two younger brothers, Robert Miller and John Samuel Miller. For Danville, IL friends and family, visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 with a memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Danville next to his beloved, Helen, and near his parents overlooking Swan Lake. Please join Earl's family in sharing memories, pictures and video on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Visitation Feb 13, 2016 Saturday, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Feb 13, 2016 Saturday, 2:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Final Resting Place Sunset Memorial Park 3901 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834