Willy Miller, 72, of White Township, Warren County, NJ died Monday, October 26, 2020, at St. Clare’s Hospital, Denville, NJ with his loving wife of 47 years, Pamela L. (Sliker) Miller by his side.
Born August 23, 1948, in Paterson, NJ, he was the son of the late Edward R. and Jessie (Hermanides) Miller. He grew up in Hawthorne and West Milford, NJ and had lived in White Township with his wife for the past 47 years.

Willy is survived by his wife, Pamela, their three children and their families. A daughter, Patricia (Tricia) L. Miller of Deer Lodge, MT. A son, Willy E. Miller II and his wife, Ivory, and their three
children, Ramsey, Violet, and Lars of Billings, MT. A daughter, Heather Ann Miller Feil and her husband, Ryan, and their children, Thomas and Miriam in Eagle River, Alaska. He delighted in his children, grandchildren and his grand- nieces and nephew, Zoe, Maeve and Evan Flick whom he thought of as his own grandchildren. Many others who just called him “Dad” or “Grandpa” were no blood relation to him, but loved just the same.

Willy retired from Verizon as a Software Engineer/Programmer in 2002 out of their offices in Philadelphia, PA. He had been with the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company/Bell Atlantic/Verizon since 1966 working at various levels as lineman, frame man, splicer, switchman,computer programmer and manager at various locations in northern New Jersey.

Willy was proud to have volunteered to serve his country in the US Army 1967-1970. He was especially honored to have been with the 6 th Special Force Group, A-Team 626, Fort Bragg, NC 1969-1970.

In the 1990’s, he was Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 1954, Washington Twp. Warren County, NJ and Boy Scout Troop 141, Belvidere, Warren County, NJ making trips to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in NM with crews of boys from the area.

Willy especially LOVED to “go to the woods”. Backpacking was the activity he loved. He introduced many to the wonders of the woods and wilderness areas across the country. He walked many, many long miles and enjoyed every minute of it. If he wasn’t walking, he was on his boat fishing off the New Jersey shore.

For many years, he was known by many simply as “The Apple Sheriff” at Mackey’s Orchard, Belvidere, NJ. He tried to make apple picking a safe, fun family activity for all who arrived up on the hill by wagon. He guided them to the various varieties of apples that were ripe and ready topick each fall weekend.

Willy was a beloved member of the Colonial United Methodist Church, Oxford, NJ where he will be greatly missed. A memorial service for Willy will be held at the church on a date to be announced.

His family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in his name @ www.stjude.org or to the church.