William Richard Miller, Jr.

William Richard Miller, Jr was born on October 12,1942 in Bay City, Texas to his parents William Richard Miller, Sr. and Ester Marie Biffel. Richard’s life came to a peaceful end at his daughter’s home in Holland, Texas, on December 17, 2025. A rosary will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 5-6pm at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Salado. A funeral mass will follow the next day, Saturday, January 17, at 9am, at the same location.

Richard graduated from McKinney High School in 1961 and furthered his education at the University of North Texas, where he briefly played football for the Mean Green. He was also a proud member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, forming friendships that would last a lifetime. He completed his college education at the University of Texas at Tyler, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.

In Service to his country, Richard joined the US Navy at the height of the Vietnam War in 1965. His service took him around the world until his Honorable Discharge in 1971. His dedication during these formative years shaped much of his character and instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and integrity.

He worked in a variety of fields throughout his career, ultimately earning his teacher’s certification in 1976. He was a vocational education teacher for many years and later taught special education and mathematics. He ranched and farmed on his beloved Cross-M-Ranch in Pittsburg, Texas for nearly 40 years which brought him great joy. He was also a carpenter, an electrician, a plumber, a draftsman, and dabbled in auto repair. He was truly a jack of all trades. His hobbies included gardening, wood carving, reading many historical and western novels, and he loved watching college football, especially the Texas A&M Aggies. He was an avid historian and was always up for a good debate or argument regardless of what side you were on.

Richard’s personal life was marked by enduring love and cherished relationships. He married his college sweetheart, Gloria Cervantes, with whom he shared 23 years of love and adventure until her death in 1988. Richard was blessed to find love again when he married Sheryl Boudreaux. They shared 14 loving years together until her death in 2012. Both unions were significant chapters in his life, filled with memories and experiences that shaped his identity.

Richard was a devoted family man and is survived by his beloved children, Sondra Nicholson, Paul Miller (Amy) and a bonus daughter Vicki Boudreaux Britt (Jason). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Taylor Miller, Reece Nicholson, Kyle Nicholson, Garrett Miller, Raena Nicholson, Jackson Miller, and bonus grandchildren Charlee Dawson (Ryan) and Zachary Daugherty. He also leaves behind his dear sisters, Lois (Hull) and Gwen (Kale) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by both wives, Gloria Miller, Sheryl Miller, parents William Richard Miller, Sr and Ester Miller, son-in-law Bret Nicholson and brothers-in-law Wilbur Hull and Joe Kale.

He was a long-time member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, where he found community and fellowship. Richard’s genuine kindness and the love he shared with those around him will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

William Richard Miller’s life was defined by love, family and service, and he has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.