Arnold Myron Miller

Arnie was born in Houston on the 19th of January 1933, the son of Bertha Gordon Miller and Isidore (I.L.) Miller. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1950 and from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1955. Upon graduation, Arnie served two years as a financial officer in the U.S. Air Force, ultimately earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Upon discharge from the service, he joined Gordon’s Jewelers, a company established in 1905 by his grandfather, eventually becoming President of the upscale Sweeney’s division. In 1968, he left the family business to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship and in 1971 he and three close friends founded Gulf Republic Financial Corporation, a holding company that eventually grew to own numerous savings and loan associations inside Texas. In 1981 Gulf Republic was sold and Arnie was able to pursue his ultimate dream of retirement which included unlimited flying, hunting and fishing, boating and occasionally, selling airplanes and real estate. Having gained his pilot’s license at the age of 17, he continued to fly private planes for decades and counted major business and political figures among his passengers. Always the adventurer, he sailed throughout the Caribbean and traveled to every continent except Antarctica.

Arnie is survived by his wife, Suzanne Selber Miller, his children, Arlyn Miller-Lachmann (and her husband Richard Lachmann) and Arnold Myron Miller, Jr. (and his wife Jan), his grandchildren, Derrick Lachmann, Madeleine Lachmann, Jeremy Rathjen, Beau Rathjen and Marshall Miller, his sister Diana (Dede) Miller Weil (and her husband Connie), and many nieces and nephews. His family would like to thank his caregivers, Chazz Jackson, John Garner, Robert Walton, Jose Garcia and James Endsley for their caring support during his time of declining health.

At a later date, the family will gather for a private memorial service celebrating his life.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Arnie’s honor may be directed to the Coastal Conservation Association, 6919 Portwest, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77024, Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096 or to the charity of one’s choice.