William "Bill"  MillerDec. 3, 1923 - Sept. 19, 2009William L. Miller, 85, of Albany died Saturday at Timberview Care Center from complications of a stroke.Bill was born in Albany To Elmer and Mabel (Cox) Miller, the youngest of four children.  He lived in the Albany area all his life, attending Oak Creek Grade School and graduating from Albany High School in 1943.He married Virginia A Tharp on Dec., 18, 1948, in Portland.  She preceded him in death in July 2007.Bill was a grass seed farmer who began working on the farm as a child with his father and brother, Earl W. Miller.  He and his brother formed Miller Bros. in the early 1960s and they became independent farmers in the late 1970s.  He enjoyed talking about "the good old days"  of farming and collecting antique tractors.  He was interested in the early history of Albany and Linn County.  He attended the Brooks "Steam Up" every year and enjoyed hunting, flying and fishing trips to Paulina Lake.  His sons and grandson continue to farm the original family farm.  He was a member of the Albany Elks Lodge and was a longtime Beaver fan.  He attended and watched OSU basketball whenever he could.Surviving are his sons, Glenn and wife Kristi, and George and wife Kathy; grandchildren  Chris and wife Angie Miller of Albany, Zachary Miller of Albany, Jennifer  and husband Doug Hamilton of Albany and Heather Miller of Albany; four great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his constant companion, the beagle Lady.Sisters Helen Towery of Tigard and Marjorie Bowers of Albany, and brother Earl Miller of Albany preceded him in death. Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home.  A funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, followed by burial at Willamette Memorial Park. Contributions in his name may be made to Hospice Care of the NW of Salem or the Cancer Society.  AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).