Joseph Benjamin Miller Obituary
Pfc. Joseph B. "Ben" Miller, age 100, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord at his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on June 14, 2025. A proud World War II veteran and member of the 307th Airborne Medical Company, 82nd Airborne Division, Ben lived a life defined by service, strength, and love.
Born on January 14, 1925, in Morristown, New Jersey, to George and Lottie (Earl) Miller, Joseph "Ben" grew up with a strong work ethic and deep sense of duty. He married the love of his life, Marjorie (Burr) Miller, on March 12, 1943. At just 18 years old, on May 21, 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After training, he was assigned to the 307th Airborne Medical Company, serving alongside some of the bravest soldiers in the world.
On the night of June 6, 1944-D-Day-Ben and 13 fellow medics landed in Normandy by glider. During the rough landing, their glider lost both wings, yet miraculously, all 14 men survived. From there, Ben rushed into action, tending to wounded soldiers in the small town of Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated in France.
There wasn't much left of it, he later recalled, a quiet testimony to the destruction he witnessed and the courage he showed.
Ben's service continued through some of the fiercest battles of the war, including Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. After the 82nd Airborne met up with Russian forces, Ben was transported back to the U.S. and honorably discharged on November 24, 1945.
Returning to Morristown, New Jersey, Ben worked at a service station. Together, with his wife, Margorie, they raised two sons, John and Dave. Later, they moved to Marcella, New Jersey, where Ben opened his own garage and worked as a skilled mechanic. Upon selling his business when he was 58 years old, both Ben and Marjorie moved to Hadley, New York and served their community by driving school buses for the Hadley-Luzerne Central School District.
After Marjorie's passing in 1988, Ben's story of love wasn't over. He found companionship and joy once again when he married Mavis Dunkley of North Creek, NY. Their 29 years together were full of laughter, love, and shared devotion-until her passing October 23, 2020.
Ben was a man of many passions. He loved gardening, long walks in the woods, and cutting his own lumber. He volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels, bowled with friends and family, and found joy in the simple blessings of everyday life. He never missed an opportunity to lend a hand, share a story, or offer a warm smile. He was happiest outside, surrounded by nature, in the company of those he loved.
He was the kind of man who made everyone feel welcome-steadfast in faith, humble in service, and deeply committed to his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Ben's legacy is one of love, resilience, and grace.
He is survived and dearly missed by his son, Dave Miller; stepson, Bruce Dunkley and his wife, Karen; Bonnie Miller; and their families. He is forever cherished by his granddaughters and their families: Sherrie and Jimmy Florence, Kara and Ryan Ritchie, and Katie Schaeffer. His memory lives on in his great-grandchildren: Bailey Ritchie, Grace & Ryan Robinson, Charlie Ritchie, Sawyer Schaeffer, Griffin Schaeffer, and the extended Dunkley family.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents, George and Lottie Miller; brother, George Miller; sister, Alice Kennedy; his beloved wives, Marjorie and Mavis; daughter-in-law, Donna Miller; son, John K. Miller; and grandsons, Johnny Miller and Scott Miller.
Ben's family would like to thank Cornerstone Caregiving for their loving support. Specifically, Kristi Wilhelm, Maddie Shephard & Lindsey Alvarez. Thank you all for the love and care you showed Ben these past 2 years.
A celebration of Ben's extraordinary life will be held at Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater, OK, on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM. A military graveside service will follow at Marcella Union Cemetery in Marcella, NJ, on Friday, June 27, 2025, where he will be laid to rest with full honors.
