BRISTOL — Chief Jerrold B. "Jerry" Miller, 61, of Bristol, passed away peacefully in his home, at 6:25 a.m. Friday, May 23, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

He was Chief of Osolo Township Fire Department of Elkhart at the time of his passing.

He was born in Elkhart, Aug. 5, 1952, to the late Chief Harvey J. "Junior" Miller and Joann E. (Thompson) Miller. She survives him in Elkhart.

On May 24, 1997, he married Nancy L. (Eppert) Dunfee in Townsend, Tenn. She survives at home.

Also surviving are his sons, Daniel "Dan" Miller of Niles, Mich., Mitchell "Mitch" (Heather) Miller of Elkhart, and Ryan (Melissa) Miller of Ray City, Ga.; daughters Lori Dunfee, Jennifer (Jay) Lamb and Catherine (Jeremy Mellinger) Eggleston, all of Elkhart, and Christina (Curtis) Knight of Osceola; brothers Harvey "Jim" (Joyce) and Jeffrey "Jeff" (Charlotte) Miller, both of Elkhart; and 20 grandchildren, including one great-grandchild who is on the way.

A celebration of Jerry's life will take place at Beulah Missionary Church of Elkhart, 57595 Old C.R. 17, Goshen, beginning with a visitation there from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 28. There will be one hour visitation prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service, also at the church Thursday, May 29. Pastor Gary Sheets will officiate and burial in Zion Cemetery, Bristol, will follow the service.

The Osolo Township Fire Department and Elkhart City Fire Department Funeral Honor Guard will perform full firefighter's honors throughout the service. Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart.

Chief Miller first entered the fire service in 1970, at the age of 18, where he served under his father, Chief Harvey "Junior" Miller, who was one of the original founders and members of the Osolo Township Fire Department.

Since then, nearly every member of the Miller family has served the Osolo fire department in some capacity, including Jerry's brother, Jim, who also served as chief. Jerry was currently serving as departmental chief and paid firefighter with Osolo, at the time of his illness.

Over the span of nearly 40 years, Jerry served in a multitude of positions within the department, including chief, a position he has maintained for a total of 20 years. He also achieved numerous training certifications from the National Fire Academy, and was certified with the State of Indiana as a Fire Inspector, Instructor, Hazardous Materials First Responder, Technical Rescue, Extrication Specialist and Emergency Vehicle Operator. His memberships included Indiana Volunteer Firefighter's Association and International Fire Chiefs Association.

Jerry's passion had always been to try to bring the best possible fire protection and service to the residents of Osolo Township. During his tenure, Chief Miller's innovative leadership style had developed and maintained a township fire department with modern, state-of-the-art firefighting apparatus and a pro-active training program for his firefighters.

His most recent achievements included erection of a 9/11 steel beam memorial located on the department's west lawn, and acquisition of special funds to increase the number of paid firefighters on staff.

In his free time, Jerry enjoyed travelling to Tennessee, spending time with his friends at Bristol American Legion, and watching his beloved Chicago Bears. He will be best remembered for his witty humor, his easy-going demeanor and his devotion to his family and his department.

Memorial donations may be given to Chief Jerrold B. Miller Memorial Fund, c/o Nancy Miller. Online condolences can also reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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