HR0835 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0835 LRB093 21906 HSS 49984 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Evans Royce Miller on April 17, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Miller was born on May 5, 1932, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Alice Hines Miller and Minor Townsend; he graduated from State Street High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1950; he played basketball and pool during school and enjoyed listening to the blues; he also developed an interest in politics after working in a Kentucky election; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Miller graduated from Eulon Barber College in 1951 and enlisted in the United States Air Force; he valiantly served his country in the Korean War as an Airman First Class, until he was honorably discharged in 1955; and

WHEREAS, He married Thelma Jo Waller on March 23, 1957; the couple moved to Chicago shortly after they were married; the family later moved to Markham in 1962, where he joined Christ Temple Community Baptist Church and began employment with the City of Markham in the Public Works Department; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Miller was active in numerous civic and civil rights organizations, including the Cub and Boy Scouts, Little League baseball, Markham Park District, Operation PUSH (formerly Operation Breadbasket), NAACP South Suburban Branch, National Urban League, School District 152 PTA, American Legion Post 828, and many others; and

WHEREAS, Because Mr. Miller was active in his community and believed he could make a difference, he ran for political office and was elected Alderman of Ward 1 in 1971 and 1975; in 1973, he became the president of the Markham Roller Rink, Inc., a position he held until he departed this life; his business has served as "the place" for recreation in metropolitan Chicago; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1985, Mr. Miller was elected mayor of the City of Markham; he was subsequently re-elected in 1989, 1993, and 1997; under his leadership, Markham grew and prospered; he worked tirelessly to make Markham a great city; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Evans Royce Miller has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Thelma; his son, Steven R. (Stephanie J.) Miller; his daughter, Sheila A. (Steve) Baker; his grandchildren, Stacie D. Miller, Simone E. Miller, Cameron J. Ellison, and Kellie N. Baker; his twin sister, Eva J. (Jack) Withrow; his brothers, Otha D. (Virginia) Miller, Percy (Inez) Miller, and Cecil (Maude) Miller; his sisters-in-law, Sarah Waller, Jean (Albert) Waller, and Johnnie Mae (James) Waller; and his many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Evans Royce Miller, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his friends, family, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Evans Royce Miller as an expression of our sincere condolences.