Youngstown, OH - The world was forever changed with the passing of William Lamont Miller, known to many as Shimmie or Asir, on June 12, 2024, in Youngstown, OH. Born on July 21, 1974 to the union of Sharon Dixon and William Miller, Shimmie brought light and love to all who knew him. Tragically taken from us too soon, William's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.

He loved sports, especially football and saw it as a vehicle to reach the hearts and minds of youth by engaging them in healthy competitive events. It cannot be expressed enough his affinity for the San Francisco 49'ers.

William was a member of the Light Church and engaged in outreach to area youth. A trailblazer in the field of mentoring youth, William’s impact on the community and all whom he served will never be forgotten. He served as the founder and executive director of the Will R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Foundation. His prominent role in the city of Youngstown was the community service officer creating community anti violence programs, activities and events. He also created a program in collaboration with the Youngstown City School District to engage conflict resolution strategies among scholars.

As a community organizer through Building Freedom Ohio, William addressed the needs of returning citizens and reentry. He implemented the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. basketball league and was a program speaker for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Shimmie created programs such as From Beefin to Brotherhood, Barbers & BBQ, and Barbers Christmas Bash as a community engagement specialist. He used the gift of communication to advance his cause such as his PROS & CONS podcast and his soon-to-be- released publication “Ready Rock Boy”

His dedication and passion for helping others shone brightly, which is reflected in the myriad of organizations he was a partner including United Returning Citizens, Fatherhood Coalition, Youngstown Little Bears & Boosters, Village Mentoring, Save Our City, Beyond Expectations Barber College, the Wean Foundation, Imaging Results, Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, City of Youngstown’s C.I.R.V. program, the YMCA, My Brother’s Keeper, Youngstown Life Guard Academy, The Excalibur, the Academy of Urban Scholars High School, Kool Boiz Foundation, the OG Club, Safe Zone among the many noble organizations that he recognized as community treasures and assets.

William leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, cherished by his beloved parents and brothers Randall Levell Miller, Jessie James Driver, and Rashad Riggins. His extended family includes Michelle Drummond and Katrina Davis who he considered as his sisters. His legacy will also be sustained by Romarro Wynn and Jasmine Williams who he recognized as his children along with an expansive score of family and friends.

William now takes his place among the ancestors and was greeted as he crossed the celestial shores by his bonus father Jessie James Driver, Jr., brother Terrence V. Driver, sister Akira Miller grandparents Reverend & Lauretta Miller, Allen Dixon Sr., Marie W. Dixon and uncle Greg Miller, all who preceded him into eternity.

Let us come together to remember and honor the life of William, a beacon of light extinguished too soon. Friends are invited to pay their respects at a public viewing on Tuesday June 25, 2024, from 2:00 pm -5:00pm at the Victory Church, 3899 McCartney Rd., Lowellville. A celebration of William's life will be held at Victory Church on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 10:30 am. with Dr. Mark T. Jackson serving as the celebrant.

After the committal service, William will be laid to rest at Belmont Park Cemetery. Forever in our hearts, William's spirit will live on, guiding us with his love and warmth. May his memory bring us comfort and peace during this difficult time. Rest in power, Shimmie!

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of William “Shimmie” Lamont Miller elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown OH 330.782.8500