LeRoy Wilson Miller, 96, of Visalia, California, passed away at home on Monday, August 19, 2013. LeRoy was born on June 14, 1917, in Visalia on the first wedding anniversary of his parents, LeRoy Alfred "Roy" Miller and Leona Elva Wilson. He lived most of his childhood in Tipton, California, where his father was employed by Mt. Whitney Power & Light company (later Edison). LeRoy painted the first TIPTON letters on the water tower in October 1936. He grew up around many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Visalia area, and attended high school in Tulare. His career with Edison Company began as a meter reader. He later moved inside the office as a clerk where he met the love of his life, Irene Marie Hawkins. They wed on June 28, 1941, in Las Vegas, and recently marked their 72 years of marriage. LeRoy became a licensed pilot in 1939. So when WWII broke out, he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he served for almost three years, and became a fighter pilot flight instructor in P-51's. After the War he returned to Southern California Edison where he worked in the Right-of-Way Department. He was transferred to the Los Angeles area in 1956, where they made their home in La Habra. After his retirement in 1979, they returned to Visalia. He had many accomplishments, including some artwork in his young years, and was enthusiastic about recording many family moments through home movies and photos. He wrote his life story for family and also recorded much of his & Irene's family heritage to be shared with future generations. Summer family camping trips to Sequoia were a special enjoyment for him all through his life. He loved driving & flying. As a flight instructor, he taught both of his sons to fly. He was much loved by his children and equally loved and respected by their spouses, and his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all his family. He enjoyed many friendships and most have already passed on. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Calvin Thomas Miller; and nephew, Gerald Dwight Clark. He is survived by his wife Irene; children, Barbara (Warren) Lane of Forest Grove, Oregon; David (Cindy) Miller of Visalia; Daniel (Gail) Miller of Forest Grove, Oregon; and Sheree (Craig) Altobelle of Visalia. His sister, Elva Miller Clark of Visalia. Grandchildren: Michael Lane, Karen Lane Romero, Michelle Miller Brown, Steven Lane, Jessica Fester, Matthew Lane, Tawny Altobelle, Jason Miller, Kimberly Miller, Darren Miller, Sean Miller, Kira Gipson, Dawn Monarrez; and 20 great-grandchildren. There will be no service per his request. Burial will be at Visalia District Cemetery. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.
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LeRoy Wilson Miller, 96, of Visalia, California, passed away at home on Monday, August 19, 2013. LeRoy was born on June 14, 1917, in Visalia on the first wedding anniversary of his parents, LeRoy Alfred "Roy" Miller and Leona Elva Wilson. He lived most of his childhood in Tipton, California, where his father was employed by Mt. Whitney Power & Light company (later Edison). LeRoy painted the first TIPTON letters on the water tower in October 1936. He grew up around many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Visalia area, and attended high school in Tulare. His career with Edison Company began as a meter reader. He later moved inside the office as a clerk where he met the love of his life, Irene Marie Hawkins. They wed on June 28, 1941, in Las Vegas, and recently marked their 72 years of marriage. LeRoy became a licensed pilot in 1939. So when WWII broke out, he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he served for almost three years, and became a fighter pilot flight instructor in P-51's. After the War he returned to Southern California Edison where he worked in the Right-of-Way Department. He was transferred to the Los Angeles area in 1956, where they made their home in La Habra. After his retirement in 1979, they returned to Visalia. He had many accomplishments, including some artwork in his young years, and was enthusiastic about recording many family moments through home movies and photos. He wrote his life story for family and also recorded much of his & Irene's family heritage to be shared with future generations. Summer family camping trips to Sequoia were a special enjoyment for him all through his life. He loved driving & flying. As a flight instructor, he taught both of his sons to fly. He was much loved by his children and equally loved and respected by their spouses, and his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all his family. He enjoyed many friendships and most have already passed on. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Calvin Thomas Miller; and nephew, Gerald Dwight Clark. He is survived by his wife Irene; children, Barbara (Warren) Lane of Forest Grove, Oregon; David (Cindy) Miller of Visalia; Daniel (Gail) Miller of Forest Grove, Oregon; and Sheree (Craig) Altobelle of Visalia. His sister, Elva Miller Clark of Visalia. Grandchildren: Michael Lane, Karen Lane Romero, Michelle Miller Brown, Steven Lane, Jessica Fester, Matthew Lane, Tawny Altobelle, Jason Miller, Kimberly Miller, Darren Miller, Sean Miller, Kira Gipson, Dawn Monarrez; and 20 great-grandchildren. There will be no service per his request. Burial will be at Visalia District Cemetery. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.
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