Joe Earl Miller

Joe Earl Miller, 75, of Amarillo, TX passed away on January 9, 2024.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, January 19

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2024 in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel.  Private burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Joe was born to JoAnne and Earl Miller on March 10,1948 in Pampa Texas.  He always said that was the best 6 weeks of his life.

He grew up on the East side of Amarillo and attended Sunrise Elementary School, Bowie Junior High and Caprock High School.

He married Jeanette Davis on November 12, 1966.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps on Jan 30, 1968, and served until November 1971.  Joe served as a maintenance mechanic and crew chief on a Sikorsky CH 53 Sea Stallion in the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 Marine Aircraft Group 16, Third Marine Amphibious Brigade, Fleet Marine Force Pacific.  He was deployed to Viet Nam for one tour from January to July of 1971 and flew in 21 missions, participating in Operation Lam Son 719.  Joe received many commendations for his service including the Award of the Armed Forces Honor Medal Second Class, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm award as well as many other meritorious aerial flight achievements.

Upon returning from his service in the Marine Corps, Joe held multiple jobs, sometimes 2 or 3 at once, before going to work at Asarco as a brick mason in the maintenance department, then for several years as a maintenance supervisor before retiring after 32 years.

In his retirement, Joe enjoyed spending time with friends and family and never met a stranger.  He was willing to help anyone who needed it in any way he could.  Joe had many hobbies including, but not limited to small engine repair, avid Harley Davidson enthusiast, master gardener, and was very active in volunteer work with the VFW Post 1475, also serving on the Honor Guard.  Joe became a very active lottery ticket scratcher in 2023 as well.

Joe became ill in 2021 and fought with dignity and grace until his passing.

Joe’s practical approach to everything and vast knowledge of such a wide range of skills will be sorely missed. He enthusiastically served as a teacher and mentor to his children and friends in so many life skills.

Joe and Jeanne recently celebrated their 57

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wedding anniversary in November 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Raymond, JoAnne K Miller, and a son David Kent Miller.

Joe is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Kim and husband Jerry of Washburn, son Keith of Denver, daughter Amber of Amarillo, grandchildren Tessa Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Chandler Miller, McKenzie Bixler, Jaren Miller, Talon Miller, Step-grandson Jentry Mancuso, sister Lisa McKenzie of Federal Way, WA, sister Susan Moll and husband Jim of Justin, Ray “Butch” Miller and wife Judy, sister Janis Mendolia and husband Mike of Lake Worth, sister Renee Muse and wife Christy of Ft. Worth and several nieces and nephews.