SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 621

In Memory

of

Vance Charles Miller

WHEREAS, Dallas real estate legend Vance Charles Miller passed away on February 23, 2013, at the age of 79, leaving his wide circle of family and friends to cherish their memories of this accomplished man; and

WHEREAS, An Oklahoma native, Mr. Miller was born in Seminole on October 19, 1933, and raised in Dallas by his parents, Juanita Miller and Henry S. Miller, Jr.; he graduated from Highland Park High School and went on to attend Southern Methodist University, where he met his future wife, Geraldine "Tincy" Erwin; they became the parents of four children, Vance, Vaughn, Greg, and Cynthia, and over the years their family grew to include eight grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Miller completed his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1956 and served his country as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force during the Cold War years; although he contemplated a military career, he instead joined his father and grandfather in the family business while continuing to serve as a captain in the Texas Air National Guard; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, Mr. Miller became president of Henry S. Miller Company, and with his guidance, it became one of the largest real estate firms in the nation; he and his father sold the company in 1983, continuing to serve on its board until their reacquisition of the business approximately a decade later; as chair and chief executive officer of the Henry S. Miller Companies, Mr. Miller had a profound impact on the North Texas real estate industry during a period of phenomenal growth; he was not only a savvy businessman, but also a mentor to countless people in his employ, many of whom went on to become highly successful real estate professionals in their own right; and

WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan served on the boards of a number of firms and was founding chair of Parkway Bank and Trust Company; moreover, he benefited the business community in a host of other leadership roles, including as chair of the Dallas Alliance of Business and as a member of the United States Small Business Administration National Advisory Council, the Dallas Area Industrial Development Association, and the city's Private Industry Council; by presidential appointment, he served three terms as a director of the Federal National Mortgage Association, and he was vice president and director of the National Association of REALTORS for a decade; he received a presidential citation for his efforts to create job opportunities for the disadvantaged, along with a host of other accolades; and

WHEREAS, Taking a profound interest in civic affairs, Mr. Miller served for 11 years as director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation; he supported a number of candidates for public office, including Governor Rick Perry, who praised his patriotism and entrepreneurial spirit; Mr. Miller was a member of the Dallas Citizens Council and the Rotary Club, and together he and Mrs. Miller supported the arts and charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, In his leisure time, Mr. Miller was an avid golfer; he was a member of the Dallas Country Club and a founding member of the Preston Trail Golf Club, and as chair of the Prestonwood Country Club, he enjoyed developing its courses; and

WHEREAS, Vance Miller left a lasting imprint on the city of Dallas through his professional achievements, and his exceptional contributions to civic life will continue to resonate in North Texas and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Vance Charles Miller and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Tincy Miller; to his children, Vaughn E. Miller and his wife, Dena, Gregory Miller and his wife, Kim, and Cynthia Vance-Abrams and her husband, Bob Abrams; to his grandchildren, Nathaniel Abrams and Penny, Vaughn, Lance, Vance Calvin, Gigi, Wes, and Wyatt Miller; to his sisters, Patsy Miller Donosky and Jacqueline Miller Stewart and her husband, Peter B. Stewart; to his brother, Henry S. Miller III; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Vance Charles Miller.

Carona

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 18, 2013, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate