William H. Miller

William H. Miller, a former resident of Amagansett, where he played in the men’s slow-pitch softball league for many years, died on Dec. 12 in Panama City, Fla. He was 74 and had experienced complications following a heart attack.

Mr. Miller’s lifetime passion for baseball began at an early age, while growing up in Amagansett. In Little League, he pitched against Carl Yastrzemski of Bridgehampton, who went on to become a star player for the Boston Red Sox. 

A son of Theodore Miller and the former Marie Vandervalk, he was born on Oct. 19, 1941. He attended the Amagansett School, and after graduating from East Hampton High School went into the Air Force. 

While stationed in Reno, Nev., he met his future wife, Annie B. Stanley. The marriage ended in divorce, and Ms. Stanley predeceased Mr. Miller.

In the early 1960s the couple moved to Sag Harbor and then to Amagansett. Mr. Miller worked with his brother at Miller’s Home Service, and at Dreesen’s market in East Hampton. 

In 1972, the Millers settled in Panama City. They had two sons, Derek and Darren Miller, both of Panama City. Both sons survive.

Mr. Miller was an avid athlete, his family said. Besides playing baseball, he loved bowling and golf. During a Sag Harbor Golf Club championship in the 1960s, he eagled the same hole back to back on the same day.

He was “extremely loving and proud of his family,” they said. In addition to his sons, he is survived by six grandchildren. His brother, Christian Miller of Amagansett, and a grandson died before him. 

Mr. Miller was cremated. A memorial service will be held on the East End in July.