FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 file photo, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller speaks with members of the news media after listening to Gov. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. budget-writing and lawmaking, dies at 90, Forum highlights discrimination and appraisal bias in housing, Revived push for Equal Rights Amendment blocked by U.S. Senate Republicans. He slips on the ice and falls. })(); As a result, positive legislation flowed to the [Senate] floor and across the House and with the governors signature, he said. In a nod to Millers stature, one of the Senates office buildings already carried his name when he wasnt even halfway through his unprecedented tenure. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. As a historian, theres no doubt about it, but Ill deal with that in my own mind, he said when the Senate gave the bill final passage. 8808 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. If he needed you, he brought you back, said former state senator Gloria G. Lawlah (D-Prince Georges), who mended fences with Mr. Miller after a falling-out. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike not just because of his historical longevity but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story, Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), the man who succeeded Miller as Senate president in 2019, said in a statement. He was also known for his sense of humor, was on display the day after the 2019 death of House Speaker Michael Busch, when he told a story from 1987 of Busch, then a first-year delegate, having a bit of a mishap during an inaugural parade around the State House for Gov. On this day of his passing, let it be known, Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. spent every single day of his life as a public servant working as hard as possible to ensure others had the ability and means to live a life with purpose, just as he did his. Miller was the oldest of 10 children, and began working at his familys grocery and liquor store in Clinton when he was 10 years old. Miller could be a heavyweight political brawler and power broker who knew how to play well to the crowd. From an early age, Mike learned what it meant to serve others when he began working in his grandfather's local market at the age of 10. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. Its worse than inner-city Washington, D.C. Four years later, he was elected to the state Senate as a conservative Democrat. A Democrat, he was first elected Maryland Senate president in 1987. He was 78 years old. See also California Statewide Indexes at the FamilySearch Library. Tom was best known for his . Buschs successor, Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) paid tribute to Miller Friday evening. He was larger than life, a good friend, a good man who loved his family and community and an incredible public servant who dedicated himself to his beloved Maryland. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) ordered that all state flags be flown at half-staff in Millers honor, until the former senators internment. He was the longest-serving President of the Maryland Senate, and was for a period the longest-serving state senate president in the United States. If you dont know him, youll think hes the best of buddies. If he had your back, you never had to look over your shoulder. 03/11/1955 - 03/30/2023 James B. Constantino, 68, of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, passed away after a long illness on March 30, 2023. Larry Hogan said "Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. Even as he voted no, he allowed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to move forward in 2012, a shift he attributed not only to political pragmatism but to his friendships with people who were gay. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. He has got an Irish temper and an Irish humor, but you never know which one hell be in at that minute.. Despite his serious health challenges, he forged ahead, serving the citizens of the state of Maryland and Prince Georges County, Calvin Hawkins II, chair of the county council, said in a statement. Retired Maryland State Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. - who had been the country's longest-serving state senate president - died Jan. 15 at the age of 78 at his home in Chesapeake Beach from complications from prostate cancer. (WJZ) -- Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., the former President of the Maryland Senate, died Friday afternoon, his family said. } Beth Ann Haury . Over the years, he developed close relationships with thousands on both sides of the aisle, whether they were low-level staffers or any of the six governors that came and went in his time. He once declared at a 2006 luncheon with fellow Democrats that they would put Republicans in the ground in the upcoming election. Miller retired last month after more than four decades as a state senator. Gov. Once, while discussing a tough special session in 2007, he pulled back his suit jacket and showed reporters where red ink from a pen had leaked, as if he were bleeding. In 1989, as he was emerging as a statewide political force, he used a profanity to describe Baltimore, a blunder that quashed whatever hope had to run for governor. There are thousands of former Senators, Delegates, staffers, and constituents in the 27th District that he has impacted for the better, and who each have their own Mike Miller story. Mr. Miller sometimes got himself into trouble for his freewheeling banter. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at First Christian . SoMDC appreciates all feedback from the community, along with tips, pictures, articles contributed, and support. Sometimes, his unrestrained comments landed him in trouble. So looking at things from a statewide perspective, we really have to do things to help.. Miller continued to wield enormous influence for the rest of his tenure as Senate president, serving in tandem with the late speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel), the longest-serving House speaker in Maryland history, from 2003 until Buschs death in 2019. "The First Lady and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to President Millers wife, Patti, their five children and 15 grandchildren, his Senate colleagues, and all who loved him. Miller also was prone to speaking his mind, whether with reporters who gathered to talk to him regularly after the Senate took a break for the day or publicly at an event. Even after his diagnosis of prostate cancer in July 2018 and a round of chemotherapy later that year, Miller continued to come to Annapolis and stand among the rostrum in the Senate chamber before going public with his condition in January 2019. (function() { He was 78 years old. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. At a time when "people can't get along and can't decide on anything," Miller made things work, Poole said. April 7, 2023, 3:09 p.m. In 1970, with the backing of the Prince Georges Democratic machine, Mr. Miller won his first political race, capturing a House of Delegates seat. [8], Miller was married; he and his wife lived in Chesapeake Beach and had five children, a son and four daughters. Mike Miller Law will be in touch soon. His legal practice and influence, especially in Prince Georges County and Southern Maryland, grew exponentially as his political career blossomed. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Miller announced his resignation in late December, citing failing health as the cause for not completing his term. He was 78. Mike received the following awards for his long career of service: 1999 Tyser Medallion Award for Outstanding service to the University of Maryland, Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Maryland, William P. Coliton Community Service Award for Excellence. Miller held close friendships with politicians in higher office he was close with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton but preferred his niche in the Senate, mentoring new lawmakers and overseeing the historical artifacts and exhibits in the State House complex. The Senate he presided over legalized gay marriage, ended the death penalty, introduced casino gamblingwhich greatly increased public school funding, cleaned up the Chesapeake Bay, and accomplished countless other legislative victories. Maryland State Senator and Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., passed away in January 2021 at the age of 78. ANNAPOLIS, Md. He was Senate president over the span of five governors, from Democrat William Donald Schaefer to Hogan. In 2001, the law firm became a family business when Mike's daughter, Melissa Miller, who previously served several years as Assistant State's Attorney, joined as partner. Mike became an Annapolis icon. He became Senate president at the beginning of 1987, a post he held until the fall of 2019 serving alongside six governors and four House speakers, fighting with some more than others. Our lives were intertwined, starting with our days together at the University of Maryland Law School and then serving together in the Maryland General Assembly. In a show of political gamesmanship, Mr. Miller forced two special sessions of the Assembly, after which the fate of what became the MGM Casino at National Harbor was left to voters to decide in a 2012 referendum. Republicans also treasured Millers friendship and guidance, even as they sparred with him politically. This article was published more than2 years ago. She was determined that I was not going to work in the store, he once told The Washington Post. Nonprofit. "[5], Miller was featured in the Netflix documentary The Keepers for his opposition to a bill seeking to increase the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the longest serving state Senate president in Maryland history and in the United States died Friday afternoon at his home in Chesapeake Beach following a long battle with prostate cancer. A lawyer whose district included parts of Prince Georges County near the nations capital brought a big personality to Annapolis. He wanted to spend money that we didnt have to spend. . He studied at the University of Maryland, College Park where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, and graduated with a B.S. Janet Tarpley. Black News, Commentary and Culture | The Washington Informer. I [lost] a teammate and mentor who trusted me to succeed him, he tweeted. Subscribe to this newsletter to have the latest obituaries delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5 . Miller, a 78 year-old native of Clinton, Md., had served as a Maryland state senator from 1975 until his . It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike not just because of his historical longevity but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story, Ferguson said in a statement. He was a member of New Fellowship Full Gospel Church and a loving husband, father and friend. event : evt, Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. Whether it's the Senator who he quietly consoled through family matters, the Senator who he mentored to compromise and pass legislation, or those who experienced the personal care of Mike to truly listen to their concerns. For decades, he was the man to see in Marylands state capital, a country-boy Democrat who rose to the heights of power in the General Assembly and used his commanding influence to direct politics and policy across the state. Whether its the senator who he quietly consoled through family matters, the senator who he mentored to compromise and pass legislation, or those who experienced the personal care of Mike to truly listen to their concerns.. He was 78. He was the longest-serving President of the Maryland Senate, and was for a period the longest . Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. Thomas V. Mike Miller, a major force in Maryland politics for decades and the nation's longest-serving state Senate president, has died, his family said. Our hearts ache for Patti and his family at this immensely difficult time. Miller kept a keen eye on politics statewide, particularly state Senate races. The Southern Maryland Chronicle(SoMDC) is an all-digital news source for SoMD. Miller also was prone to speaking his mind, whether with reporters who gathered to talk to him regularly after the Senate took a break for the day or publicly at an event. William Donald Schaefer. governors scandals overshadowed states progress. Miller retired last month after more than four . Former Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller has died at age 78. Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. At his core, Mike was who you saw. He concluded this extraordinary period of service as Senate President Emeritus. It was nothing more basic than getting reelected, Evans said. (Joshua McKerrow / Baltimore Sun) "His . Linda H. Lamone, the occasionally controversial, at times embattled, but seemingly unflappable Maryland elections administrator currently the second-longest-serving chief elections official in the. Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter. Today, I join all Marylanders in mourning the passing of a champion of the Senate of Maryland, Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Mike was a family man, and his Senate family joins his family in mourning his passing. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate. He concluded this extraordinary period of service as Senate President Emeritus," Ferguson said. Bill Clinton, who spoke at the Maryland State House twice during his presidency, met Miller at a legislative conference in the 1980s and later joked that when he realized how big Millers family was, he realized it would be politically beneficial to befriend him ahead of his 1992 White House bid. Searching obituaries is a great place to start your family tree research. ANNAPOLIS, Md. } Mr. Miller cited the incident as his sole political regret. He had more political contacts at 18 years old than Ive ever had any time Ive been alive, Thomas Farrington, who worked alongside Mr. Miller in the Young Democrats in the 1970s, once told The Washington Post. An account was already registered with this email. Search Obituaries. View obituary. Get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers in memory of a loved one in Fort Mill, South Carolina. A lawyer whose district included parts of Prince Georges County near the nations capital brought a big personality to Annapolis. At 44, Mr. Miller assumed the Senates throne, fueling chatter that he was on a glide path to becoming governor. Mr. Miller, who regarded himself as the curator of State House history, hung portraits on his office walls of past Maryland governors, including segregationists. I havent forgotten your vote, he wrote. He understood that his style of politics dealmaking and consensus-building had become an antiquated art form in an era dominated by President Trump and extreme rhetoric. Thomas V. Miller Jr., known to most as Mike Miller, dedicated his life to the people of Maryland. He never took his eye off of it.. Miller is a native son, who leaves an impactful legacy of leadership and service.. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application. (AP) Thomas V. Mike Miller, a major force in Maryland politics for decades and the nation's longest-serving state Senate president, has died, his family said. If you have any questions, please email editor Danielle Gaines at [emailprotected]. I was fortunate to have received his counsel and advice when I became Speaker. Miller was a University of Maryland graduate and remained a passionate booster of the College Park campus and its sports teams until his dying day. I forgive and forget, he said during an interview for this obituary. Miller was a titan of Maryland. After then-Del. Sign up for The Daily Newsletter, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). The people of Maryland are forever indebted for his service.". He also attended the University of Maryland Law School, hanging a shingle in Clinton and then in Dunkirk. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. Miller could be a heavyweight political brawler and power broker who knew how to play well to the crowd. Anita Davis*. So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible. He thought he could print money in the basement of the State House., Marvin Mandel dies; ex-Md. His alma mater, the University of Maryland at College Park, in June named its main administration building in his honor. Hogans son, Larry, for whom Mr. Miller babysat, became Maryland governor during the last years of Mr. Millers reign in Annapolis. Along the way, he married his wife Patti in 1965. All rights reserved. Nonetheless, some African Americans chafed at what they regarded as Mr. Millers dictatorial control over local politics. ANNAPOLIS, Md. His core was delivering as a retail politician.. Paying the transaction fee is not required, but it directs more money in support of our mission. Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Besides a picture of Miller in the Senate chamber and his name on the office building, his Senate colleagues created the title of President Emeritus and voted to bestow it upon Miller. He served as the state Senate president from 1987 until 2019. Michael A. Jackson (D), a former Prince Georges County sheriff and the man Miller wanted to succeed him. He announced his prostate cancer diagnosis on the Senate floor in early 2019. Serving the people of our great state was Mike Millers lifes work, and he did so with unrelenting passion and courage for a remarkable 50 years. My aunts and uncles for Christmas and birthdays would give me books and I would read and study. Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the longest-serving president of the Senate in Maryland and the United States, Wednesday announced he is resigning his seat, effective today . Privacy Policy and Thomas Vincent Miller Jr. (December 3, 1942 January 15, 2021), known as Mike Miller, was an American politician from Maryland. It came only from love for the Senate, the State of Maryland, and its people. So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible. It came only from love for the Senate, the State of Maryland, and its people.. You were taught the customer was always right. Show your love for Southern Maryland by powering authoritative, in-depth reporting about your community, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. in business administration in 1964. Gov. After quickly securing the votes to succeed Miller, Ferguson announced that his predecessor would be given the title of Senate President Emeritus, along with certain privileges. Hes survived by his wife, Patti, son Tommy, daughters, Amanda, Michelle, Melissa, and Melanie, sisters Susan, Cynthia, Melinda, Nancy, and Kim, brothers, Jonathan, David, and Mark, and his fifteen grandchildren, and was predeceased by his sister Judith.. Michael (Mike) Miller-age 62 of Luttrell went home to meet his Savior on Sunday morning, January 1, 2023 at his home. Mike would often talk to whoever would listen about how lucky he was to have such a supportive family, and my heart breaks for his wife Patti, his children Tommy, Amanda, Michelle, Melissa, and Melanie, his 15 grandchildren, and his large extended family including those who were related, but also to those of us who were lucky to know him as family. Poole said he last talked to Miller around Dec. 23 and the two had a brief, but nice conversation. It was Mike Millers baby. As the Senates leader, Mr. Miller was unafraid to lacerate rivals, accusing Gov. There has been no major initiative that has occurred without Mikes leadership. Millers, which was started by his grandfather, remains to this day. As 2019 began, Mr. Miller divulged that he had cancer but kept showing up in Annapolis, eager to demonstrate his vigor even as he was undergoing chemotherapy. There are thousands of former Senators, Delegates, staffers, and constituents in the 27th District that he has impacted for the better, and who each have their own Mike Miller story. "Serving the people of our great state was Mike Millers lifes work, and he did so with unrelenting passion and courage for a remarkable 50 years. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 . He is survived by his wife, children, eight siblings and 15 grandchildren. He sees me and puts both hands on my lapels and backed me against the wall, Lee once told The Post. [2][9] Miller died at home in Chesapeake Beach from the effects of the disease on January 15, 2021. Larry Hogan, a Republican, reflected on Millers tireless dedication to his state. William Michael Stegall March 19, 2023 (52 years . Jerad L Geiger April 25, 2023 (67 years old) View obituary. Myrna and I were privileged to have him in our lives for all these years. [citation needed], The Senate office building in Annapolis was named after him due to his being the longest-serving Senate president in the history of the state legislature. #TrueHonorableServant.. He was Senate president over the span of five governors, from Democrat William Donald Schaefer to Hogan. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the longest serving state Senate president in Maryland history and in the United States died Friday afternoon at his home in Chesapeake Beach following a long battle with prostate cancer. He was also fiercely loyal. That happened with a strong push from the Senate president, who noted in later years that the states six casinos would be part of his legacy. He participated in the parade. } Thomas Miller went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of September 30th after a courageous battle with cancer. His parents politics spanned the Democratic spectrum, with his father a conservative and his mother a New Dealer who encouraged her son to go to law school. Former state Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. "Mike" Miller died Friday, the culmination of a life dedicated to Maryland that will serve the state well for decades to come, friends and . Maryland Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller, a pragmatic, tough-minded leader who presided over a progressive agenda in the chamber for a record 33 years, died Friday afternoon, his family announced. [10], For other people named Thomas Miller, see, "Md. Local news, weather, sports, events, restaurants and more, Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., pillar of Marylands state capital for decades, dies at 78, Commanders draft class fills several needs, features plenty of value, From World Series hero to MLBs worst, Patrick Corbin keeps taking the ball, Commanders draft Illinois DB Quan Martin, Arkansas C Ricky Stromberg. He began covering the State House in 1995 for The Gazette newspapers, and has been writing about state and local politics ever since.
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