Joseph William

Millner Jr.

Joseph William Millner Jr passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68 on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at his home in Climax, NC. Joseph was born on January 29, 1958 in St. Louis Park, MN, the fifth of six children to Vivian (Cheney) and Joseph Millner.

Joseph childhood nickname was Billy, to differentiate between father and son, and used until he joined the Air Force when he identified with his given name of Joseph or Joe. Anyone calling him Billy is either family or old, old friend. Inspired by his grandmother, Freida Reps, he learned the violin and played in the school orchestra until his graduation from Robbinsdale High School, Robbinsdale, MN in 1976. He continued for some time playing violin in the orchestra at JW regional conventions and circuit assemblies.

He was proud of his 12-year military service in the United States Air Force stationed in Germany, Panama, and Texas. After service to his country, he traveled across the US working as an aircraft mechanic in the airline industry until settling in Climax, NC where he finished his career retiring on December 2, 2025.

Joseph was a kind, thoughtful, quiet, man who loved his country and all of his blended family. He enjoyed all things aeronautical, computer gaming, and social media.

He is survived by his wife: Debbie Lehoux of Templeton, MA, children: BillieJo Hernandez of San Antonio, TX, Gene Carlos Stanhope (Summer) of Jacobson, MN, Jessica LeBlanc of Greensboro, NC, Crystal LeBlanc of Garoner, MA, and Amanda Miller of Templeton, MA, grandchildren: Shania Hernandez, Ramon Hernandez Jr, Shakira Hernandez, Jasmine Hudson, Jayden Anderson, Kaydence LeBlanc, Gabriel Anderson, Madison Miller, and Michal Marshburn, great-grandchildren: Josiah Rey Perez Hernandez, Mason Rodriguez, Aleah Rodriguez, Ryan Hernandez and Levi Hernandez, siblings: Paula Pruden (Frank) of Honolulu, HI and Rebecca Pederson (Larry) of Roseau, MN and many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers: Jeffrey, Gerald, and Harold Jack Millner, son in law: Ramon Hernandez, niece and nephew: Miranda and Lonnie Foty

A memorial service and internment are pending at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN