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Clifford Louis Miller, known by many as Butch, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, kindness, and a great sense of humor. Born on June 25, 1940, in Battle Creek, to parents Clifford and Edna Miller, Cliff lived a remarkable life enriched with diverse experiences.
He attended Vicksburg Community Schools and proudly graduated from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 1959. After high school Clifford enlisted in the United States Navy. Stationed aboard the USS Paul Revere, like many of his time, he exemplified courage and selflessness serving his country.
After his time in the military, Butch began his career in the paper mill industry before joining Upjohn Company. However, it was in the Tool & Die trade for General Motors where he truly thrived. For over 25 years, he dedicated his expertise and craftsmanship to this trade until his well-deserved retirement.
Beyond his professional achievements and military service, Butch was known for his warm-hearted nature and good sense of humor. Described by those who knew him as kind-hearted with an adventurous spirit.
Throughout his life, Cliff possessed an insatiable thirst for exploration. His passion for motorcycles led him to travel all of the lower 48 states on countless two-wheeled adventures, as well as Alaska. Additionally, his love for flying allowed him to obtain a pilot’s license and soar through the skies in his beloved Cessna 140, 170’s, and 180 over the years. Such was his devotion to freedom that aviation offered, he even had his own grass runway at home.
Cliff was a proud member of the Michigan Wood Cutting Association. His love for this activity saw him engage in wood cutting competitions throughout the state of Michigan, in which he and his cousin competed and won several championships. He used his skills as a tool maker to build and/or modify saws for competition; 2 man crosscut, 1 man bucksaw, chain saws, throwing axes and chopping axes.
Clifford Louis Miller will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His spirit of adventure, love for family, and his ability to find humor even in the smallest moments will be etched in the memories of those he left behind.
Clifford “Butch” L. Miller, of Vicksburg passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at the age of 83. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Edna Estes, father, Clifford Miller, and brother Ronald.
Clifford is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret; two children: Randy (Amy) Miller, of Centreville; Shannon (Jerime) Blackman, of Allendale; three grandchildren: Kyle (Sharon) Miller, of SC; Cody Schuiteboer, of Kalamazoo; Makennah Blackman, of Allendale; and one great grandson, Mason Miller. Cliff is also survived by his four siblings: Alberta Baker, of AZ; Marilyn (Carl) Avery, of Athens; Kenneth (Sandy) Miller, of Chatham; and Martha (Thomas) Happel, of Chatham; and several nieces and nephews.
Clifford has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The Miller family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.
My deepest sympathy to Margaret and the family. Clifford and Margaret were a wonderful couple. Clifford will certainly be missed by the Vicksburg High School class of 1959. He was a special classmate.