Ed Miller Jr. was a great man

I was truly saddened to hear of the recent passing of Ed Miller Jr., one of the truly classic gentlemen of Oneida and Madison County. He had a tremendously positive influence on my life in my teen years and well into my twenties.

When I was a young tennis player for Oneida High School in the ’70s, Ed was one of my mentors. He was not just teaching me how to play (usually by beating me badly), but also how to act on the court. Ed never swore. Never argued a call. Never mocked an opponent. Never ever threw a racquet in anger. He also never quit. Just a real fighter. He was competitive with college players, like me, well into his 40s. Just a fine athlete and a class act.

I also had the great pleasure and privilege of serving with Ed on the Oneida City Council for three years in early 1980s. It was not an easy time in the city government. The Mayor was new and five of six councilmen, including Ed and I, were just newly elected. Ed was the anchor. His experience as a former Public Safety Commissioner and his calm demeanor was so valuable. He always exerted a patient wisdom and a quiet intelligence. He was never bombastic, employed a great sense of humor, always treated every one with respect, listened to all sides of a debate, and “worked” the problem until we came to a conclusion. It was easy supporting him for Deputy Mayor in 1984. When the time came for him to serve as interim Mayor during our first term, Ed justified our support by stepping in and doing an excellent job.

Ed, and his wife Sue, have made a huge contribution to the city and the surrounding area for many, many years. The Millers have been an absolute treasure for the community. All citizens of Oneida owe the Millers a debt of gratitude that they chose this small town back in the ’60s to settle down and raise their family. Ed’s life should be celebrated as an example for every young person to follow. God Bless him and his family.

Peter DuChene, Charlotte, N.C.

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