William "Russell" Miller

William Russell Miller, 85, departed for Heaven on Thursday evening April 21, 2016. A celebration of his life will be 10:30 am, on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Mountain Home with Dr. Tad Rogers Officiating. A gathering of friends and family will be from 5:00 until 7:30 pm, Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Russell was born in Van, Arkansas on July 27, 1930, the son of Pete and Gertrude Miller. He married Ina Corinne Smith on January 20, 1952 in Hot Springs. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, was an officer in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. His business career began with Mobile Oil, which brought him to Baxter County in 1962 where he started Miller Oil Company. His network of business associates and projects took him all over the state guided by his internal GPS. He was very active in First Baptist Church and many mission projects from Arkansas to Africa. He was happiest when he could encourage and motivate others with a positive attitude, duck hunt with his friends, develop new projects and spend time with his family.

Russell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ina; daughter Carol and her husband Rip Gresham of Rogers, son Ray of Harrison, granddaughter Natalie Nix of Jonesboro and many “favorite” nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Robert T. Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ouachita Student Foundation at OBU, P.O. Box 3754, 410 Ouachita St., Arkadelphia, AR 71998 or First Baptist Church Mission Projects, Mountain Home, AR.

Arrangements will be by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services.