Hal Coleman Miller

Hal Coleman Miller, 90, of Owensboro died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 18, 2014. Miller was born Sept. 26, 1923 in Owensboro to Thomas Palmer Miller Sr. and Pansy Head Miller.

Hal Miller was a veteran of World War II, where he served with the 297th Engineer Combat Battalion throughout the European theater of the war, beginning D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. Miller served through five campaigns with the 297th, including at Cherbourg, France, The Ardennes in Belgium, the Battle of the Bulge, and into Halle, Germany.

After returning home, Miller went to the University of New Mexico and later became a local businessman. He built the Owensboro Drag Strip in 1958, and later Windy Hollow Speedway in 1970. He also operated the Windy Hollow Country Store in 1968 and later operated the Windy Hollow Recreation Area and Windy Hollow Restaurant, which were built by his twin brother, Thomas "Tom" Miller. The Windy Hollow Restaurant became a local attraction and museum that was filled with historical pieces from WWII, Western movie posters and more. Hal was an avid collector, a friend to everyone and always had a positive attitude that he shared with all he met.

His favorite quote was by J.M. Barrie, who said, "God gave us memories so we might have roses in December." All who met and knew him were fortunate to walk away with memories of his smile, his courage and his kindness. He touched many lives with his unselfish giving and concern for others, and by example, showed everyone the importance of loving and caring for others. Through times good and bad, he always said, "We have to roll with the punches."

He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John W. Miller, Robert L. Miller and his twin brother Thomas P. Miller Jr.
Hal is survived by his loving wife Deanna; his daughters Karen (Claud) Miller Porter and Kathryn Patton, Evelyn Miller all of Owensboro; his grandchildren K.C. (Laura) Daniel of Stuart, Florida, Siebe Wathen (and her fianc Brandon Heath) of Nashville, Tennessee and Hallie McCarty of Owensboro; his great-grandchildren, Mya and Chloe Daniel; his sister, Ione Miller Jones, nieces Terry Jones Smith, Leigh (David) Dunningham, Judy Jones Hauth, Sara (Jim) Biden, and nephew Thomas P. Miller III; and countless friends.

Visitation for Hal Miller will be at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory on Monday, April 21, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with services to follow at 11 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Miller's family requests donations be made to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, Ky. 42301.