LIBERTY — Most of us weren’t around during the 1940s, but for William D. “Bill” Miller, the decade was the foundation on which many of his life’s experiences sit.

“He graduated from East High School in 1941, went into the service in 1943, married my mom, Elizabeth Brown, finished his tour of duty and came home,” Miller’s eldest daughter, Debra Leonard of Detroit, recalled. “What he did in the ’40s set up the rest of his life.”

During that “pivotal decade,” her father also took a civil service exam, the first step toward launching what turned out to be a 38-year career with the U.S. Postal Service before he retired in 1985. In 1949, Miller and his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Miller, bought their home on Youngstown’s North Side, where they raised their three children and still live.

Miller, who was born Feb. 12, 1923, in Airton, Ala., and moved to Youngstown when he was 2, also served his country for three years in the U.S Army during World War II.

On Sunday, though, more than 100 family members, relatives, friends and others gathered to serve Miller generous helpings of gratitude and praise, because he was the guest of honor for a three-hour gathering at St. Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church Banquet Center, 3560 Logan Way, to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Also sharing the joyous occasion was Miller’s wife, who’s 99. On July 2, the couple will celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary.

At the time, his position in the post office was the highest a black man could achieve without a college education, Leonard noted.

During his time in the Army, Miller, who rose to the rank of sergeant, was in the European Theater and, among other things, drove a supply truck to deliver what was needed to the troops. After the war ended, Miller stayed an extra year overseas to help troops return home. He also served in the Army Reserve until the start of the Korean War in 1950.

After returning to civilian life, Miller worked for Carnegie Steel Co. For much of the 1960s, he repaired radios and TVs, his daughter said.

In the early days of his career as a letter carrier, Miller integrated the post office’s golf club, first by forming a separate all-black team after the white employees didn’t want blacks on their team, Leonard explained. The whites, however, wanted the original name that the black team had adopted after the black competitors became more popular, but Miller made it clear they would have to integrate to reclaim the name, she continued.

Later, her father joined Rising Star Lodge in Youngstown, where he became worshipful master, the highest ranking in the Masons. Other organizations for which he’s served include Jerusalem Baptist Church’s trustee and Sunday school superintendent, and exalted ruler and grand district deputy of the Buckeye Elks.

In addition, Miller, who’s also a longtime civil rights activist, is a 94-year member of Jerusalem Baptist Church. He decided to continue his membership after congregants reached out to him from afar, his daughter explained.

“He was drafted, and the church prayed for his safe return (from the war), and that’s why he’s been there ever since,” Leonard said, adding that her father acquired the nickname “Dollar Bill” because he served many years as treasurer for the church and other organizations.

Over the years, the centenarian has developed a love for golf and bowling. Today, he derives great pleasure from cooking and barbecuing for family and friends, Leonard said.

“He’s always been a kind, compassionate man. He represents our community well, and he’s very well spoken. I’m happy to call him my family,” Alexis Wokocha of Youngstown, one of Miller’s cousins, said.

To that end, she recalled when Miller was part of a group called the Hazelton Old Timers, referring to the street on which he grew up. Each year, they fed people in need, bought gifts for residents in area nursing homes and held a picnic in Wick Park to raise money for the community, she remembered.

“He is a friend and mentor, and a pioneer for me,” Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown said, adding, “I appreciate you guys for the love you show,” referring to the couple.

During his remarks, Brown also presented Miller with a key to the city.

Other proclamations and certificates of recognition came from state Rep. Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown; Campbell Mayor Bryan Tedesco; state Rep. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield; Secretary of State Frank LaRose; and U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta. In addition, Miller was the recipient of a Black History Community Award.

“I’m going to invite all of you to my 115th birthday,” Miller said to applause after several family members and friends had spoken individually in his honor. “It’s not my intention to leave anytime soon.”

After sharing a few recollections of his East High days, Miller thanked those who attended for their kindness and compassion.

“I love you all,” said Miller, who also has five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Part of the celebration included a video collage of Miller that ended with the 1980 Stevie Wonder hit “Happy Birthday,” which also honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.