William F. “Bill” Miller, III, who was a longtime Georgia Forestry Association member and forestry champion, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019. Bill most recently served as Vice President of Forest Operations for F&W Forestry Services and he was a member of the GFA Board of Directors as well as Chairman of the Executive Committee in 2000.
For 33 years, Bill worked for Union Camp Corporation and International Paper in various jobs including Regional Manager in Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia before his most recent position at F&W. He served as the President of the UGA Warnell Alumni Association and Big Jay Hook. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters and was elected SA Fellow in 2012. He was inducted into the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame in 2012. Bill was also an officer in the Georgia Army National Guard.
Bill’s colleagues remembered him for his leadership style and contributions to working forests, the forestry profession and the State of Georgia.
“Bill and I first met as college freshman in 1966 and remained friends and coworkers for over 52 years working closely together with Union Camp, International Paper and F&W Forestry. Bill was a true professional in every way. Whether in forestry, in sports or at play, Bill lived life to the fullest. He had incredible social skills in engaging those he met and managing people he worked with. Among my favorite times with him are late dinners and long trips where we talked families, friends and forestry. Inevitably, these conversations always led back to his love of and support from Nancy, his children and grandchildren. His many contributions to our industry continues to live through the relationships he had with all who knew him and legacy through his love of family and friends.”
John Godbee, Forest Certification and Environmental Compliance Group Manager at F&W Forestry Services
“I have been fortunate to be involved in the forestry industry for 32 years, and during this time, I have had the pleasure to be associated with Bill Miller. Bill was not only a great man, but he was the true definition of a forester. Bill was the best I have ever seen at connecting people and facilitating business deals. He was highly focused on the integrity of the forester trade. He made people happy with his presence and promoted our industry at every opportunity. He was a true outdoorsman and used his talent to promote and further the forestry practice. He was a genuine and compassionate man who loved his family and friends dearly. He has and will be missed by many. Men of his kind cannot be replaced.”
Hugh Thompson, President at Pierce Timber
Bill Miller was held in such high regard by many and for good reason. Following in his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in forestry, he was a giant in the forestry community and he will be sorely missed. He was also a very kind man who dearly loved his family, friends, colleagues and forestry peers. I will remember him for his positive outlook on life, the warmth he extended to anyone he came in contact with, his care for his fellow man, quiet confidence, and for the sage advice that he shared freely.
Mike Bell, Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications at Rayonier
Click here to read Bill Miller’s full obituary.