Gilbert Elbert "Gil" Miller

Gilbert Elbert "Gil" Miller
Harrisonburg

Gilbert Elbert "Gil" Miller, 99, of Harrisonburg, passed away on February 8, 2017, at the Sunnyside Presbyterian Nursing Home.

Mr. Miller was born on August 12, 1917 in Mt. Solon and was a son of the late Lewis Jacob and Delphia Elizabeth (Long) Miller. Gil served in the United States Army. He grew up at the "home place" on Route 33 west of Harrisonburg. In the 1930's he farmed, worked on the family sawmill at Skidmore Forks, and worked as long haul trucker taking poultry north to NYC. He enlisted in the Army in August 1941 for one year, but Pearl Harbor was hit in December 1941. He fought in the European theatre throughout WW2, in the 9th Division, 39th Regiment, 1st Battalion, B company. He landed in North Africa during the Torch Invasion, made the Sicily Invasion, made amphibious landing at Omaha Beach in the Normandy Invasion, and fought in most of the major battles including San Lo, Bastogne, Remagen. He was last wounded fourteen days before the signing on Versailles treaty. His decorations included three campaign ribbons, twelve battle stars, a purple heart with six oak clusters, and an expert infantryman badge. He was mustered out in 1945. After returning to the Shenandoah Valley, he farmed and drove trucks. On Oct 12, 1951, he married the former Sarah Watkins Lacy at Cooks Creek who preceded him in death on June 14, 2012. In 1957, he bought the Heatwole place on Route 33 west of Hinton and went to full time farming. He was elected to County Board of Supervisors in the 1950's & 60's. He took part time job as real-estate appraiser in 1964 and was then hired full time as deputy commissioner of revenue for Rockingham County until 1983 when he retired. In retirement, he enlarged his garden so he could watch things grow. He moved to an apartment at Sunnyside with his wife Sarah in October 2004, where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Mr. Miller is survived by his two sons, Robin Miller and wife Theresa of Manassas, Allen Miller and wife Barbara Stickley Miller of Fredericksburg; sibling, Jimmie Miller; grandchildren, Sara Miller and fiance Bryan Woodward, Ian Miller, Michael Miller and wife Christie (Hamlett) Miller, Daniel Miller and wife Rebecca (Wolfe) Miller, Erin Miller, Ryan Miller; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Lewis (Mike and Christie), Leigha Miller, Matthew Miller and Andrew Miller.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Miller was preceded in death by a daughter, Sallie D. Miller, and his siblings Buck Miller, Harold Miller, Basil Miller, Richard Miller, Bonnie Taylor, Brownie Cunningham and Jeanne Wetzel.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 11 AM at Cooks Creek Presbyterian Church with Revs. George Evans and Paul O'Gorek officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

A graveside with military rites by the Dayton American Legion Post 27 will be held privately.

At his request, the body was cremated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Presbyterian Nursing Home, C/O The Fellowship Fund, 600 University Blvd, Ste. L, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.