April 13, 1936 ~ Jan. 10, 2021
William Dallas (Bill) Miller, 84, passed away on Jan. 10, 2021. He was born on April 13, 1936, in Daggett, California, to Dallas and Dorothy (Cotten) Miller. He grew up in Meeker, Colorado, and graduated from Rio Blanco County High School in 1954.
After high school, Bill attended Mesa Jr. College in Grand Junction where he wrestled at the collegiate level. In 1959, he completed his student teaching in Meeker and later that year, he wed Carole Klinglesmith on May 10. Bill taught English and coached high school football and wrestling in Limon, Colorado, until 1967 when he, Carole, and their three daughters moved to Yuma, Arizona. That school year, Bill taught and coached at Kofa High School. The next year, the family moved to Indio, California, where he again taught English and coached football and wrestling, later serving as athletic director at Indio High School. Later, he taught independent studies at La Quinta High School.
In 1996, Bill retired from teaching; however, he spent many evenings refereeing football games and wrestling matches and many days starting track meets at high schools in southern California. Coach Miller looked forward to every Friday morning to enjoy breakfasts with his fellow teachers and coaches. He enjoyed dove hunting in both Arizona and Mexico and fishing in Montana with his Springer Spaniel dogs. He was a master woodworker designing ways to make life easier around the home. Bill was commonly found in front of the TV rooting for the Denver Broncos and USC. He and his wife spent multiple hours traveling back and forth to their homes in Meeker, Colorado, and Indio, California, and made it interesting by driving different routes exploring the western states. Bill, also called Granddad, was known for his impeccable sense of humor and ways of teasing.
Bill is survived by his wife Carole, of 61 years, his brother Jon Miller, his daughters Fawn Moore and Dana (Les) Flareau, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest daughter Dawn DeSantos, and his granddaughter Bethany Garcia.
Due to the current circumstances, a memorial service in Indio is planned for the spring.
