Thomas "Tom" Stanley Miller

Tom, a centenarian sailor, Irish whiskey appreciator, and a man whose handshake meant something, has cast off for his final voyage at the age of 100. Born in Marlin, Texas, raised in OKC, and brought up with equal parts integrity and charm, Tom was a gentleman to the core — polished with great wit and timeless manners.

Tom’s greatest loves were books and boats. He read voraciously (The Master and Commander series at least 12 times) and stored and could recall anything he had ever learned. He finished his final NYT Sunday crossword last week. Tom launched the first sailboat on Lake Texoma and helped shape the lake’s vibrant boating community as an early president of the Lake Texoma Association. He remained in the boat business for an astonishing 75 years. From Grandpappy Point to Inland Sailboats, from Cottonwood Creek Marina to Collin Park Marina — if it floated, chances are Tom had a hand in it.

A proud member of the Dallas Country Club, New York Yacht Club, Ocean Cruising Club, and Rotarian in Denison, TX, Tom’s life was as wide-ranging as the waters he sailed. Whether soaring in the skies, cruising the oceans, or tinkering in his workroom carving boats and airplanes, he did it all with a University of Texas Beta Upsilon Chi twinkle in his eye.

Married to Lois “Sis” (Dillard) Miller from 1948 until her passing in 2021, Tom was a devoted husband for 72 years, and a father who believed kids should know to be home for dinner at six and be able to think and take care of themselves. He is survived by his children: Stanley (Vicki), Ben (Cindy), Charles (Enid), Nancy, and Julie Lloyd (Jon Beller), along with 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom knew his deep love and devotion.

Tom’s heart and door were always open, and whether it was a cruise on the Chesapeake Bay or a dinner at Bistro 31, if he invited you, you knew you were in for something good. He didn’t care for fuss, just good company and a good laugh.

We are forever grateful to Beth Kassanoff and her team and all the caregivers Daddy has had, especially Jennifer Chockpoyah.

He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in every book we read, every breezy day on the water, and every toast made with a Jameson on a block of ice.

In lieu of flowers, read "A Gentleman in Moscow", fix a boat, or raise a glass to a life well-lived and well-loved.

A Celebration of his life will be held on May 14 at 12:00 PM till 2:00 PM at the DCC