A Glance At The Life And Legacy Of Maryland Senator Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr.

By Raoul Dennis

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks: “ Rest in power, Senator Miller.”

Maryland lawmaker Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr., known as the lion of the senate, died Jan. 15 surrounded by family and loved ones. Miller, the longest state senate president in the nation’s history, leaves a towering legacy in Maryland politics. He was 78.

“He served as president of the Maryland Senate for more than 30 years, making him the longest-serving senate president in the history of the United States as well as the state of Maryland. We have all benefited from Senator Mike Miller’s leadership, influence and guidance and his voice and spirit will truly be missed,” shared Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks at the announcement of Miller’s passing.

Miller’s influence touched legislation ranging from housing to economic development but arguably his signature efforts are anchored to education.

“No one was more dedicated to higher education in the state, as he fought tirelessly to grow funding for Maryland’s flagship university, his alma mater, but also for all colleges and universities, especially those in his home county of Prince George’s,” says Jim Estepp, president and CEO of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable. “Though we lost him, his legacy will live on, in the buildings that bear his name, and in the lives he changed with the thousands of pieces of legislation that he helped shepherd through the Senate.” (Click here to read “Here Walked A Leader”)

Miller and Estepp at a meeting of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable.

Miller’s influence extended throughout all aspects of quality of life in Maryland.

“I would say he is truly one of the most impactful people that I have ever worked with,” says Steve Proctor of G.S. Proctor & Associates, a leading lobbyist in Maryland. “I had the great pleasure of working with the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) system and there is no one who fought harder for the students, faculty and staff of the school system than Sen. Miller.”

The senator’s work with the Thornton Commission recommendations and cleaning the Chesapeake Bay were among Miller’s own favored efforts.

“We shared over two decades of memories, battles, laughs, and service together,” says Sen. Melony Griffith, president pro tempore of the Maryland Senate. “Those who knew Mike know that he could fight with you in the morning and share mentoring words in the afternoon. But above everything, he respected fortitude and compassion. I learned so much about the history of Maryland and the honor that is serving in the Maryland Senate from President Emeritus Mike Miller. May God bless his soul and the family he dearly loved.”

Maryland Senate President Pro Tempore Melony Griffith. PHOTO: FRANK SOLOMON//PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

Miller’s leadership in education led to the renaming of the Main Administration Building at the University of Maryland in his honor (among three other buildings named for him in Maryland. His story is undeniably American. One of 10 children, young Miller worked at the family store and bought his first car for $900 with money he saved. He was athletic, good with people and smooth on the dance floor. A passionate reader, the young Clinton resident marveled at Maryland history and American heroes – both real and fictitious. Later in political life, he would use those stories as anecdotes to charm audiences and sway political trends. Click here to see and hear “Lion Of The Senate, Son Of Prince George’s”).

Hundreds of Maryland residents and businesses have been positively touched by Miller’s unswerving commitment to providing opportunity for all.

“I would also say on a personal note that G.S. Proctor & Associates would not be the firm that it is today without the support, commitment and love of Miller. He absolutely helped to shape our company to what it is today,” Proctor says.

“Mike Miller helped me and others,” noted Pastor Pat Creed, Jr. of the Faith Independent Baptist Church based in Glendale, MD. “He was truly a Statesmen and best of all a Brother in Christ.”

Although the Prince Georgian rose to great heights and engaged several U.S. presidents and other global leaders in his career, he never lost his humility and gentle warmth with people of all walks and all stations. Miller mused at the way in which he enjoyed personal chats with members of the White House staff as easily as he did the Commander-In-Chief.

“What [then-President] Bill Clinton didn’t know was that some of those people were customers of mine at the store when I was growing up,” Miller said. “You always treat everyone with dignity and respect. The customer is always right.” People around Mike Miller remembered that because they remember the way he treated them.

“Most people are very much aware of his political prowess, his decades of service speaks for itself. But what many people don’t know is that Mike always fought for the little guy and always, always looked out for his neighbor and he never forgot where he came from,” Proctor says.

GS Proctor & Associates: Steve and Dianne Proctor (seated) and Trey Proctor.

Jim Estepp recalled Miller’s personal embrace of people as well. “He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and a fighter in the courtroom as well as in the backrooms and offices in Annapolis,” Estepp says. “I will miss him but I will never forget his quick wit, his strength or his indomitable will, all of which could be on display in the same conversation.”

“While the state and region have lost a true champion who fought for the community, Dianne and I have lost a dear, dear friend,” Proctor says.

“It is with our deepest sympathy that we lift up his wife Patti, son, Tommy, daughters, Amanda, Michelle, Melissa, Melanie and other family members,” said Alsobrooks. “Our hearts and minds are with you in prayer. Rest in power, Senator Miller.”