Walter George Miller Jr

Walter George Miller Jr., 74, passed away at 10:00 p.m. on July 24, 2017 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, following complications from surgery. He was born October 21, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, to Walter G. Miller, Sr. and Rita Woitas Miller. He grew up in the Chicago area and in 1960, joined the U. S. Navy for a three-year tour as an electrical engineer. At the age of 35, Walter returned to college and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Southwest Missouri State University (currently, Missouri Southern University). He continued his studies in taxation as a post-graduate at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. He moved to Arkansas and was registered as a Certified Public Accountant in 1984. The following year, he was inducted into the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants and in 1989 he founded the firm of Miller & Schroeder, CPA's Ltd., with his friend and business partner Susan Schroeder. He grew the successful public accounting firm because of his expertise in tax and business strategies and planning. Walter was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and served as Chairman of the Litigation Support Services Committee under the auspices of the Arkansas Society of CPAs. He was a writer and frequent guest speaker addressing tax and financial issues facing entrepreneurs, and was honored with the society's "Best Teacher" award for his presentations of professional continuing education for other CPAs. After nearly two decades of practice, Walter retired when the firm was sold to another local public accounting firm. Walter married Kathryn Hunt on October 11, 2001 and she survives. Together they enjoyed traveling, attending the symphony, and theater. An erudite individual, Walter also enjoyed spirited discussions about books, movies and current affairs. He took great pleasure in fine dining, lively debate on philosophy, theology or politics and smoking a good cigar on his front porch. He taught Sunday school at area churches he attended, most recently at Prairie Grove Methodist Church, where he led an adult class for several years. Walter was an avid reader. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn of the home, stepdaughter, Shawna Douglass and her husband Bill, of Redlands, Calif., stepson, Ryan Cox and his wife Tamar, of Dallas, Ga. and grandchildren, Zach and Drew Douglass and Colton Cox. With a heart for the disadvantaged and destitute, Walter supported organizations such as the Salvation Army, Peace at Home Family Shelter, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, Seven Hills Homeless Shelter and others. No services are planned, but he will be remembered by family and friends at the home on Thursday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m. Arrangements have been made by Beard's Funeral Chapel, of Fayetteville. Committal of ashes will be held privately at a later date. Contributions to any of Walter's favorite charities or to one of the donor's choice would be appreciated as a compassionate gesture to honor his life. Online condolences may be made to www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.