Nancy McMillan Dedman

Nancy was born in Bristow, Oklahoma, on February 13, 1928, to H. Mims and Oma McMillan. She graduated from Bristow High School and attended Randolph Macon Women’s College for two years. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a Political Science degree Magna Cum Laude & Phi Beta Kappa in 1950. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority at SMU. Nancy married Robert H. Dedman Sr. in 1953 and was devoted to him until his passing in 2002.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Dedman Nail, her husband, Bobby Nail, and Patty’s children, Jonathan and Saryn Dietz and their three children, Hudson, Sterling, & Holden; daughter Christina Dietz; and her son, Jeffrey Dietz and his wife, Peyton. Nancy is also survived by her son, Robert H. Dedman Jr. and his wife, Rachael, and their two children, Catherine and Nancy Dedman. Additionally, she is survived by her older sister, Betty Kelly, in Tulsa, Oklahoma and her nephew, Brad Kelly, who loved and cared for Nancy throughout her life.

Nancy was devoted to her family and friends of all ages who loved her dearly. She enjoyed spending time, entertaining, and traveling with them throughout the world. Renowned for knowing the best dining and shopping opportunities, she always had her bags packed for the next great adventure. She shared her love of reading, the arts, fashion, history, current events, and was known for recommending the latest great books on a multitude of topics. Nancy led an inspirational life of grace and beauty and enlightened others with her personality and intellect.

Nancy helped found ClubCorp with her husband, Robert, in 1957 and was integral to its success in becoming the largest owner and operator of private clubs in the world. She served on the ClubCorp Board from 1957-2006.

Nancy served on the Dedman Foundation and the Robert & Nancy Dedman Foundation Boards since their inception in 1996. Nancy generously gave her time and resources personally and through the family Foundations to many community organizations. She served on the Boards of the Dallas Museum of Art, Shelter Ministries, the Salvation Army, and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Nancy and Robert were both great benefactors of SMU’s Dedman College, the Dedman School of Law, and the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. She was very supportive of UT Southwestern’s mission, including the Dedman Family Clinical Scholars Program, The Clements University Hospital, and the O’Donnell Brain Institute. She also supported the Food Allergy Center at Children’s Medical, Children’s Medical Foundation and the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Additionally, she contributed to the United Way, Highland Park United Methodist Church, the Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, as well as, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dallas, Texas and Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Nancy’s commitment to the community was recognized by the Dallas Arboretum Flora Award, the Sprague Award from UT Southwestern, the Distinguished Alumni Award from SMU and SMU’s Dedman College, the SMU Dedman School of Law Dedman Leadership Award, the Annette G. Strauss Humanitarian Award from Family Gateway, and the Margot Perot Service Award from the Salvation Army.

Her Celebration of Life services will be scheduled on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church located at 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas TX 75205. A reception will follow the service at the SMU Meadows Museum at 5900 Bishop Blvd. Dallas, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial remembrances be sent to the Dedman Family at 5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 1800, Dallas, Texas 75225 and that any contributions in Nancy’s honor be donated to either the Crystal Charity Ball in Dallas, the UTSW O’Donnell Brain Institute, or the SMU North Dallas High School Scholars program.