Harold Vance Miller

Harold Vance Miller died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the Carriage House in Snowflake, Arizona due to causes incident to his age. He was 92 years old. Vance was born on August 15, 1917 in Snowflake, Arizona to the late John Henry and Clara Almina (Hansen) Miller. He graduated from Holbrook High School in 1935. Following his graduation, Vance went to work for Postal Telegraph as a telegraph operator. Then on June 30, 1943 he was inducted into the U.S. Army, serving as a sergeant of the 303rd Infantry Regiment. He received his honorable discharge from active military duty on March 16, 1946. Once home from over seas, Vance worked a short time for the Santa Fe Railroad as a telegraph operator in Williams, Arizona. In 1947, he moved to Holbrook, where he lived until the last few years, at which time he moved to Joseph City. Vance worked as a field delivery truck driver for the Union Oil Company until his retirement at age 70. Vance was very talented working with his hands. He thoroughly enjoyed building and flying his model airplanes at the Woodruff turn-off and at the Taylor Airport with his other "airplane buddies". In his younger years, he was an avid photographer and enjoyed taking and developing his own pictures. He literally has built dozens of Heath Kits, which included: color television sets, ampliphiers, phonographs as well as other electronic gadgets for many family members and friends. Vance volunteered for the Holbrook Little League for many, many years as their official score keeper. He was key in collecting donations for the little league by passing his own cap around through the crowds. Known affectionately as "Uncle Vance" to his many nieces and nephews, he always made sure that whenever any one of them hit the ball, he would reward them by giving them a shiny silver quarter. He was a generous man and regularly donated to many causes annonymously. His kindness truly will be missed by his community and family. H. Vance Miller is survived by his 3 sisters: Maxine Dean of Ephraim, Utah, Carol DeWitt of Joseph City, Arizona, Joyce Colvin of Imbler, Oregon; 3 brothers: Jay N. Miller (Sarah May), Leon C. Miller, Jack K. Miller (Carole) all of Joseph City, Arizona, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters: Myrna Melvin, Genevieve McLaws and Anita Miller. Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Joseph City Cemetery in Joseph City, Arizona.