William Miner

William Miner of New Bern, NC, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at age 94. He was born in Pasadena, CA, in 1932, to Judson and Dora Miner.

He was in the military, stationed in Hanford, WA. Afterwards, he worked for the Eames’ office as the protege of Charles Eames, where he was Chief Exhibits Designer and designed portions of the IBM exhibit at the 1964 World’s Fair. His illustrious design career included designing exhibits for the Smithsonian and Library of Congress.

In retirement, Mr. Miner and his late wife moved to New Bern. He volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem for a few years before becoming an ESL tutor at the local elementary school and worked with refugees and their families, who dubbed him “Oi”.

A memorial service will be held at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Rhems Methodist Church at 5880 U.S. Highway 17 S in New Bern, NC. Inurnment will follow at the St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church columbarium in New Bern.

He is survived by his son, Eric Miner and his wife Laurie, of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Michelle Kauffman and her husband Daniel, of Hagerstown, MD, Chad Miner and his wife Zaynah, of Maui, HI, and Liam Miner of Charlotte, NC; five great-grandchildren, Timothy Holmes, Stephen Kauffman, Greyson Miner, Luca Miner and Chloe Miner; a niece, Carter Chess of Florence, OR. He is predeceased by his wife, Donna S. Miner, his son, Brian K. Miner, and his sister, Barbara Mae Minnick. The family would like to thank his dear friends, Su Meh and Lah Ku Htoo, for welcoming him into their families and including him in celebrations and other events.

The family requests no flowers or memorial donations.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of William Miner.