Opal Miller

Opal Myrtle Holleman Miller April 29, 1015 - November 12, 2013 Opal Myrtle Holleman was born April 29, 1915 in Wealthy Leon County, Texas, to Henry and Maude (Smith) Holleman. In 1921 her family moved to Sandia, Texas where she graduated from high school at the age of 16 and then attended cosmetology school in Corpus Christi. She eventually moved to George West to practice cosmetology where she met John Anthony "Ox" Miller, a professional baseball player. In September, during the off-season of 1939, John returned home to George West where he met a beautiful, young lady with sparkling eyes and a friendly smile named Opal Holleman. He courted her during his stay and when it was time to return to Chattanooga, he said, "Opal, let's get married." After receiving her parent's consent, her mother made her a dress and she boarded a train to meet him. Opal arrived in Chattanooga on April 28, 1940 and they married the next day. From that moment on, she was always at his side and his biggest fan. John affectionately referred to Opal as "Shorty" and she called him "Monkey". John played pro ball from 1938 to 1952 and Opal traveled with him during his baseball career. After Ox retired from baseball, they returned to George West where he became a rural mail carrier and in 1955, Opal became the Live Oak County librarian, a position she held for nearly 50 years. Although the Millers never had children of their own, they shared their love of children by being huge supporters of youth baseball and softball in the South Texas area - making it possible for many to play college ball. Opal dearly loved her family and opened her house every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas for the family gatherings. Many fond memories were made by family and friends who visited the Miller's home. Opal is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, John Anthony Miller; her parents, Henry and Maude Holleman; four brothers, Theo Holleman; Kenneth Holleman; Milton Holleman; and Maurice Holleman; three sisters, Lothell Holleman; Linelle Holleman McCarley; and Murlene Holleman Pearson. Opal is survived by her sister Inez Holleman Koehler; sisters-in-law Mae Holleman and Della Holleman; numerous nieces and nephews; and her caregivers who loved her so dearly, Nora Ayala; Brianda Ayala; Janie Lara and Christina Clark. A visitation will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Galloway and Sons Chapel in George West, Texas. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2013 at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in George West, Texas. Interment will follow at George West Cemetery. Pallbearers are Charlie Holleman, James Harvey, Reese Holleman, James Mayo and John Mayo. Honorary Pallbearers are Bo Holleman, John Holleman, Mike Holleman and Reid Holleman. Memorial contributions may be made to the "John 'Ox' and Opal Miller Education Fund" at P.O. Box 964, George West, Texas 78022.