Joe Henry Miller

Joe Miller, age 86 of North Zulch, Texas passed away peacefully after a series of illnesses early Sunday afternoon May 7, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Miller; mother Faye Miller; identical twin brother, Jack Miller and stepsons, Gary and Larry Rayburn. Joe is survived by his devoted wife Virginia Miller; son, Dan Miller and his wife, Daren Miller; son, Randy Miller and his wife, Susie Miller; daughter Karen Kallen and her husband, Christian Kallen; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Joe Henry Miller was born in Goose Creek, Texas. He grew up and spent most of his adult life working in Houston, Texas before moving to North Zulch in 1986, where he and his wife, Ginger, built their East Texas dream cabin on ten country acres.

Joe attended San Jacinto High School in Houston and earned numerous vocational teaching certificates in plumbing from higher education institutions, including Perdue University, Texas A & M Extension and journeyman training through Local Union 68. Joe was a life long learner and regularly completed continuing education professional instructor certifications through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

He served honorably in the U.S. Marines from 1951 through 1954, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Joe, along with his twin brother, Jack, were primarily stationed on the island of Oahu at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe.

Joes career was in the plumbing business and he was certified as a Master Plumber. He held a wide range of positions in the field from serviceman to chief estimator, supervisor, owner, draftsman and technical instructor. He was with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville for over ten years while continuing to teach in the apprenticeship program.

Joe had wide a range of interests. He loved hunting and fishing, especially along the Gulf Coast, music, art, U.S. travel poetry, wood working, gardening and story telling. He played the guitar and the dulcimer, and he enjoyed working with church youth.

Joe was a life member of the Texas State Rifle Association, V.F.W., United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada during his career.

Joe will be missed dearly by friends, family and all who knew him. Joe was a gentle soulhelpful, caring, understanding, an attentive listener and had a good sense of humor. He was a also quite a character!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Peniel, 6716 E. FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654 or Camp Hope, 9724 Derrington Rd., Houston, TX 77064.

Memorial funeral services for Joe Miller will be held 1:00 P.M., Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Crossroads Cowboy Church on Highway 90 in Madisonville with visitation starting at Noon, prior to the funeral.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Madisonville Funeral Home.