Willis “Willie” Arnold Miller, 94, of Souderton, Pa., formerly of Harleysville, died April 20, 2026, at Souderton Mennonite Homes. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy “Dottie” A. (Landes) Miller, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Elida, Ohio, he was the son of Isaac and Anna (Wilkins) Miller.
Willis graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, Va., in 1950. He went on to earn degrees from Eastern Mennonite College and St. Joseph’s University, where he received his master’s degree in gerontology.
A man of deep faith and service, Willis dedicated much of his life to his profession and his community. From 1952 to 1954, he served in 1-W service as a mental health aide at Norristown State Hospital. He worked at I.T. Landes in Harleysville from 1951 to 1956 and later taught general science and biology at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School from 1959 to 1960. From 1960 until his retirement in 1990, he was a research virologist with Merck Sharp & Dohme in West Point, Pa.
On Dec. 3, 1961, he was ordained by lot at Salford Mennonite Church, where he served until 1991. He continued his ministry as a commissioned overseer and assistant moderator of Franconia Conference. He volunteered at the Mennonite Resource Center and served as the first chaplain for Grand View Hospice.
Willis was a devoted member of Salford Mennonite Church. He found joy in traveling, birdwatching, hiking and reading. He was a devoted family man, remembered for his kindness, compassion and commitment to his faith, family and community.
He is survived by his daughters, Beverly S. Birky (Ian) of Coopersburg and Kathy A. Detweiler of Harleysville; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear friend and cherished companion of 15 years, Barbara DiLucia of Souderton.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by son-in-law John R. Detweiler and siblings Burlon Miller, Pauline Miller, Orlo Miller, Freda Kleckler and Geneva Smith.
