Gene Miller

August 11, 1940 - August 23, 2020

Gene Miller, 80, of Walnut Hill, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020 at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. He was born August 11, 1940 in Boyd, the son of Jess Miller and Ferne (Copple) Miller. He married Mary Katherine Kell on April 16, 1960 in Shawneetown and she survives in Walnut Hill. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Kathy Miller of Walnut Hill, he is also survived by his two sons: Ronald Miller and wife Kathy of Walnut Hill and Steven Miller and wife Tammy of Centralia; four grandchildren: Kelli Wyatt, Nick Miller and wife Laura, Chelsey Heern and husband Patrick, and Kassy Miller all of Centralia and two great-grandchildren: Bennett Wyatt and Tanner Wyatt both of Centralia; a brother: Jerry Miller and wife Linda of Dix; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Jess & Ferne Miller, a brother: Jesse Miller, Jr. and a sister, Dolores Sanders . Gene was a lifelong resident of Walnut Hill. He worked as a painter for the Illinois Central Railroad from 1960 - 1970. In 1971 he started working at the Altadonna's IGA in Centralia in the Meat Department and retired in 1997. He was a member of the United Food Commercial Workers Union. Gene was a member of Fouts Christian Church in Centralia. Gene farmed and raised hogs for 20 years. He enjoyed playing pinochle. Gene enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathy, and they visited all 50 states. Gene cherished the time he spent with his wife, sons, grandchildren, family and friends. Funeral Services for Gene Miller will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Jerry Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.The family ask those who are attending to please be mindful of social distancing, wear a mask, and any health precaution necessary to insure a healthy environment. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Little Grove Cemetery Fund and/or the CCBA Food Pantry and will be accepted at the Hillcrest Funeral Home and Cremation Center at P.O. Box 745 Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-6122, who is honored to be of service to the Miller Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com