William James “Bill” Milleson, age 80, of North Platte, died February 11, 2022 at Great Plains Health. He was born on May 29, 1941 in North Platte to Glenn and Hazel (Hunter) Milleson. Bill graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1959 and has enjoyed the class luncheons through the years.
After high school, Bill took a job as an over the road truck driver. He entered the US Army in 1964 and served in Vietnam. After his discharge in 1966, he returned to North Platte where he owed the Standard Oil bulk delivery service. He married Paula Huff, and to this union two sons were born, Randy and Brian. In 1975, they moved to Arizona. Bill returned to North Platte where he began selling cars for Watsons. Bill married Colleen Empfield on April 2, 1984 in Golden, CO. They resided in North Platte until moving to Kearney to be the General Manager at the Watson dealership there.
Bill moved back to North Platte where he worked for the Bob Spady dealership for many years, even selling a few cars the last couple years for Janssens Auto. He was well known in the car business and had many loyal customers through the years.
Bill was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, riding and selling all different brands through the years. He was active with the Legion Riders, Patriot Guard, and other riding groups in North Platte. He enjoyed dancing with Colleen at the Country, and his Class of 59’ lunches and coffee with his friends. Bill was known to never know a stranger, and was said that he became the light in whatever room he entered. He was very patriotic and was proud of his service and country. His family was the center of his life and took much pride in his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his children: daughters, Kylie (Dan) Ilten of Phillips, NE, Kellie (Matt) Harring of Lincoln; sons, Josh (Jennifer) Empfield of North Platte, Randy (Sarah) Milleson of Alliance, and Brian Milleson of North Platte; grandchildren, Kynzlie, Ty, Luke, and Liev; a sister, Bette James of Hoxie, KS; and a brother, Larry (Sharon) Milleson of San Diego, CA; and several other family members and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Colleen. A memorial has been established to the North Platte Legion Riders and online condolences can be made at adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday February 16, 2022 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Rev. Ryan Alexander officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be 12-7 Monday February 14, 2022 with the family receiving friends from 5-7. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.