In Memoriam Past District Governor Bruce Miller
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Bruce Miller of the Portland Rotary Club, were deeply saddened by his death on May 27, 2017. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Emma and Bruce's family. His constant smile and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of Rotary will be missed.By God’s grace, Bruce fulfilled his priorities in life.
Rest In Peace Past District Governor Bruce
Services:
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Limbaugh Funeral Home in Portland. (500 Wildcat Dr, Portland, TX 78374) Family will receive guests from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The burial will be Thursday, June 1, 2017, at 9:00 am at the Coastal Bend State Veteran’s Cemetery in Corpus Christi (9974 I 37 Access Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78410). A celebration of life will follow at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Portland at 11:00 am. (619 Lang Rd, Portland, TX 78374)
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Limbaugh Funeral Home in Portland. (500 Wildcat Dr, Portland, TX 78374) Family will receive guests from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The burial will be Thursday, June 1, 2017, at 9:00 am at the Coastal Bend State Veteran’s Cemetery in Corpus Christi (9974 I 37 Access Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78410). A celebration of life will follow at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Portland at 11:00 am. (619 Lang Rd, Portland, TX 78374)
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Lutheran’s Church, P.O. Box 668, Portland, Texas 78374 or to the Rotary Foundation at http://www.rotary.org/en/donate or the charity of your choice.
Bruce W. Miller was born in Bloomington, Texas on March 1, 1929 and raised on farms at Inez, Edna and Cuero. He graduated from Cuero High School as the honor boy of his graduating class. In 1946, he joined the US Marines where he served for two years and reached the rank of Sergeant.
In 1949, Bruce entered Texas A&M College in College Station where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural education. While there, he joined the ROTC program reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He commanded three Veteran Companies and was a distinguished Military student.
In 1952, Bruce started a long military service as Second Lieutenant with training in artillery at Fort Sill Oklahoma. In 1953, he married Emma Magnia and they spent a year in Germany with the 2nd Armored Division. Bruce continued his military service in the Texas National Guard, where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel commanding the 2nd Battalion 141st.
From 1954 to 1957, Bruce taught Vocational Agriculture in Yorktown, Texas. In 1957, Bruce started a thirty year career with Central Power and Light Company (CP&L). Upon retirement from CP&L, he stared the Business Roundtable.
Bruce served as Council President for St. Lutheran Church for three six year terms, and taught Adult Sunday School for many years.
Bruce’s Rotary career spanned 40 years, including serving as District Governor and receiving the Rotarian of the Year and Service Above Self awards.
Bruce loved traveling, hunting, fishing and golfing, especially with his Over the Hill Gang. He loved the Texas Aggies and taught his daughters to sing all of the songs.
Bruce is survived by his wife Emma; daughters Melissa and husband Kelly DeWitt, Merry Miller, and Melanie Miller. He is also survived his grandchildren, Jill DeWitt and Matthew and wife Courtney DeWitt and great-granddaughter Emma Lynne DeWitt. He is also survived by his sister, Anna Bowers and his brother, Oscar Ray Miller and numerous nieces and nephews.
