James William (Bill) Millner, passed away May 14, 2026, from cardiac and pulmonary arrest. He was born in Danville, Virginia, July 16, 1939, to James William Millner and Katherine Carter Allen Ramos, both deceased. His half-brother, Robert Anthony Ramos, and nephew, Joseph Anthony Ramos, are also deceased.

Bill is survived by wife, Carole Ruth Lewis Millner, and four living sons: James William Millner, Jr.; Steven Allen Millner; Craig Gene Millner; and Gary Lance Millner (Wife: Evelyn) and daughter, Lisa Higgs (Husband: Jr.). Son Bruce Duane Millner passed away in 1988. He had 7 grandchildren and many great- grandchildren.

Bill was an Alaska resident and became a “snowbird” each winter to return to his hometown of Pinole, California.

Bill attended De Anza High School to the 10th grade and then he joined the United States Air Force on October 25, 1956. He became an aircraft mechanic “Jet Over Two Engines” in Amarillo, Texas, on April 12, 1957. He received his General Education Development (GED) High School Level Diploma from the Air Force Armed Forces Institute on December 27, 1957. He was stationed at the Sioux City Air Force Base in Iowa until he received an Honorable Discharge on March 31, 1960.

Bill worked at Juris Cadillac in Walnut Creek, Beckman Instruments in Richmond, and Pacific Gas & Electric. He retired from PG&E as a gas serviceman in 1993 and moved to Soldotna, Alaska.

While in California, he was a member of the Rodeo Bass Club, San Pablo Sportsmen’s Club, Richmond Rod and Gun Club, Ducks Unlimited, and a proud sponsor and participant of the Boys Club. He loved saltwater fishing and duck hunting.

In Alaska, he was a member of the Soldotna Elks Lodge No. 2706. His love of fishing for halibut and salmon kept him busy. He also enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane.

Bill loved the water and that is why he wanted to be buried here at Sunset View overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

Graveside services will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Sunset View Cemetery, 101 Colusa Avenue in El Cerrito.

Reverend Stephen Winton-Henry will officiate at graveside.

Please no flowers. Donations may be made to a charity of your
choice.

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