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Obituary of Murray Forney Miller

Brimfield – Murray Forney Miller, 94, of Brimfield, passed away, at 5:50 a.m. Sunday, February 14, 2010, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Murray was born October 10, 1915, in Brimfield, to Walter and Faye Forney Miller. He married Catherine Maher September 24, 1938, at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parsonage in Brimfield. After 70 wonderful years of marriage, she preceded him in death October 14, 2008.

Surviving is his sister, Joann Hibbs of Danville, IL; half sisters, Mary Ann Miller of Indianapolis, IN, and Kathryn Esther Kowa of Newnan, GA. Also surviving are his children, Jerry (Carol) Miller of Bloomington, Tom (Barbara – deceased) Miller of Brimfield, Richard (Peg) Miller of Williamsfield, Robert Miller of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Mary Miller of Peoria, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. Murray was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Paul & William, a sister, Bernice Johnson, half brother, David, his son, Fred, and great-grandson, Ernest.

In the mid 1930’s, Murray started Miller’s Mobil Gas Station and auto repair business, continuing until 1953. As TV became popular in the late 1940’s, he attended Coyne Technical School, and then opened Miller’s Radio & TV, which he operated until his retirement in 1977. He worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as a field mechanic for 24 years, retiring in 1977.

Murray served on the Brimfield Fire Department for 37 years, being Chief for 25 of those years. His tenure saw the organization of a Fire Protection District, the upgrading of equipment and a new fire house. With the acquisition of an oxygen inhalator system, Murray became a predecessor to today’s rescue squads.

After the lack of available water led to the complete destruction of St. Joseph Catholic Church by fire in 1948, Fr. Thomas Harrison and Murray waged a successful campaign to get a village water system. Murray served four terms on the Brimfield Village Board of Trustees, and was instrumental in getting the sewer system approved and implemented.

Murray’s love of music spanned his lifetime. As a small boy, he accompanied his father as he fiddled and called square dances. In the mid 1930’s, he and his friend Murray Hines were staff musicians on the National Barn Dance as they toured the county fairs presenting talent shows. As a young man, he played with several area bands in the dance hall era. In later years, he entertained family and friends on the organ and with sing-alongs on the guitar.

Murray and Catherine loved to travel, visiting every state in the continental United States and all provinces of Canada. The most memorable being a motor home trip to Alaska. Murray’s love of flower gardening was known by all who passed his home.

Murray and Catherine were born, educated, raised their family, operated several businesses, lived their lives, and died in Brimfield. They had a strong sense of family and community. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Brimfield Area Men’s Club.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 314 W. Clay Street, Brimfield. Father John Verrier will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic church, with recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Brimfield.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements.

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