Jackie Miller

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Jackie L. Miller, 65, of Olive Branch died Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Cobden Rehab and Nursing Center, surrounded by family and friends.

He had resided there since February and the family is so grateful for the loving care he received by the staff in his last months of life.

Jackie was born Sept. 25, 1948, in Moline, Illinois, the only child of Lloyd "Jack" and Lucille Willis Miller. He was a 1967 graduate of United Township High School.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1969, serving in Vietnam until 1975. He was a point man with the 1st Air Cavalry, 9th Troop A, serving in more than 200 missions. He received two Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, eight Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, U.S. Defense Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

Jackie was a retired welder with International Harvester. He was a member of Local 309 in Rock Island, Illinois, and attended Olive Branch Methodist Church. He enjoyed his dog, Big Dog; fishing, hunting, gardening, billiards and watching movies.

Survivors include his mother, Lucille Miller of Olive Branch; two sons, William and Richard Miller of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a daughter, Rebecca Vonderheide of Mason, Ohio; three grandchildren; cousins; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Illinois.

The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Brent Gordon officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Mound City National Cemetery.

To leave online condolences, visit crainsonline.com.