1. Bill Miller, owner of Discount Fabric Warehouse chain, passes away at the age of 65
2. Discount Fabric Warehouse chain owner, Bill Miller, dies at 65.

Remembering Bill Miller: The Philanthropist and Visionary Behind Discount Fabric Warehouse

Bill Miller

Background and Legacy

Bill Miller, the owner of Discount Fabric Warehouse, a renowned statewide business empire, passed away on January 29 at the age of 65. Born in Salt Lake City, Miller was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to giving back to the community. He was a beloved figure, often referred to as “The King of Cloth.”

A Thriving Business

Miller started his business journey as a salesman at the Singer sewing machine store in Hilo’s Kaikoo Mall. When the Singer Corp. went bankrupt in 1995, Miller saw an opportunity and decided to go into business himself. He opened his first store in Hilo on June 15 of that year, starting with a modest 300-square-foot space in Ben Franklin. Today, that store has grown into an impressive 11,000-square-foot showroom on Kanoelehua Avenue. Miller’s business empire expanded to include two stores on the Big Island, as well as stores on Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu.

A Giving Spirit

One of Miller’s defining qualities was his commitment to giving back to the community that supported his business. According to his wife, Jessie Crusat Miller, he firmly believed in providing opportunities for people and always sought ways to contribute. He was known for his generosity and philanthropic endeavors.

Supporting Abused Children

One of Miller’s notable contributions was his “Bags of Hope” program for abused children. Recognizing that children removed from abusive environments often carried their belongings in black trash bags, Miller organized a group of volunteer sewists to create unique and colorful tote bags for these children. He provided all the necessary materials and a dedicated classroom for the project. The bags were filled with thoughtful items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, coloring books, crayons, composition books, pencils, stuffed animals, and travel pillows. Miller’s program, supported by the Friends of the Children’s Criminal Justice Center of East Hawaii, aimed to bring comfort and hope to these vulnerable children.

A Life Beyond Business

Although Miller’s stores catered to designers, hula halau, and sewing hobbyists, his personal interests lay in the great outdoors. He was an avid hiker and bird hunter, always seeking adventure and staying active. In 2022, he even ran the Honolulu Marathon, showcasing his remarkable fitness and stamina.

A Lasting Legacy

Bill Miller is survived by his wife, sons, stepdaughters, mother, sister, and brother. His passing is a tremendous loss to the community he served and the countless lives he touched through his business and philanthropy. To honor his memory, a celebration of Miller’s life will be held on Friday, March 1, at the AJA Veterans Hall. The event will be a casual gathering, reflecting Miller’s down-to-earth personality and his love for his community.

Bill Miller’s legacy will continue to live on through Discount Fabric Warehouse and the impact he made on the lives of those he helped. He will be remembered as a visionary businessman, an active philanthropist, and a beloved member of the community.