Leonard Miller, age 76 of Zwolle passed away on July 27, 2019, after a lengthy illness. Arrangements are being handled by Warren Meadows Funeral Home of Many. The funeral was held on July 31 at Union Baptist Church. Internment followed at Belmont Cemetery with military honors. Officiating the funeral service was the Reverend Bobby Simmons.
“Billy Boy”, or “Uncle Billy” as many knew him, was born on February 28, 1943 to Delos and Gertharie Miller of the Dess community. He attended Negreet School and was known to everyone simply as the fun-loving “Billy Boy.”
He led a very full life, having proudly served his country as a mechanic in the army during the Viet Nam war. After being honorably discharged from the army with numerous awards, Billy returned to Sabine Parish where he married and made a family with Argerine Sepulvado and her three children; Wendell, Wanda Sue, and Scott. Billy was known for the love he had for Argerine, the children, and all of Argerine’s family. Billy and Argerine remained married until her death in 2015.
Billy worked in the oilfield and established himself with a reputation as a hard-working, analytical-thinking oil-field worker and oil-field consultant. Past trainees of Billy’s said he was the hardest teacher they ever had, but the trainees credited their successes in the oilfield all to Billy.
Billy loved to play, and play he did. He loved to attend car races, mud races, and began “muddin’” many years ago. He and “Big Red” were known throughout the state (and even areas in Texas). Billy won numerous muddin’ competitions and the dirtier Big Red got, the harder Billy laughed.
Billy loved his hunting club and his coffee club. He was known to go off to “the deer lease,” where he’d sit and talk and laugh for hours with his buddies. Every morning, Billy could be seen making the rounds in Zwolle, starting out with having his morning coffee with his friends at Kwik Trip and then going to see all of his friends at their businesses. Come rain or shine, Billy Boy was going to go make his rounds.
Billy met Janet Vice Miller at Carson Baptist Church and they married in 2016. Their marriage brought another family into Billy’s life and he quickly became the center and head of the family. Janet’s family quickly embraced and welcomed Billy into the fold. Janet and Billy were always found to be laughing, listening to blue grass music, and worshiping the Lord. Billy’s strong faith in Christ and his heart for serving the Lord further strengthened Billy’s and Janet’s bond.
Billy’s generosity was known throughout Louisiana. He made an impact on people of all ages. Many of his closest friends were men who are 30 or 40 years his junior. Everyone knew and loved “Billy Boy,” “Uncle Billy.”
He is preceded in death by his parents, Delos and Gertharie Miller; sister, Linda Gail Miller Downs; and step-son, William Hagelin.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janet Vice Miller of Zwolle; step-sons, Eric Hagelin and wife, Martha of Belmont, Jared and wife Heather of Bossier, Wendell Castillo and wife, Holly of Mansfield; step-daughter, Wanda Sue Garcie and husband Pat of Zwolle; step-son, Scott Castillo of Zwolle; sisters, Shirley Chism of Blanchard, Peggy Chism and husband Garland of Blanchard; and Glendanell Chism of Blanchard; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, the “coffee club” boys, the “hunting lease family,” the “muddin’” family, and the “morning rounds” family.