Dr. Clint Miller, former Biometry chair, dies
Dr. M. Clinton Miller III, died at his home in Castle Rock, Colo., on Feb. 10. Born in Enid, Okla., on Aug. 28, 1932, Dr. Miller spent most of his public school years in Claremore, Okla., which honored him in 2001 by inducting him into the Claremore Public School Foundation Hall of Fame in recognition for his extraordinary career in the field of education.
Dr.
M. Clinton Miller III
Dr. Miller received his high school diploma at Oklahoma Military Academy, where he began his college work. Graduating from the University of Oklahoma in Chemistry, he completed the first year of medical school at the O.U. School of Medicine. His medical career goal was temporarily interrupted by a diving accident that left him a quadriplegic at the age of 21. Combating difficult odds, he soon returned to the University of Oklahoma where he earned a master's in mathematics and to the Oklahoma Medical School where he received a doctorate in biostatistics. He then did a number of post doctoral fellowships and seminars.
Dr. Miller’s long and distinguished career included teaching and research at the Medical Schools of Oklahoma, Tulane University in New Orleans, and MUSC. At the latter institution, he established the Department of Biometry. During his 26-year tenure, he authored or co-authored 19 books and wrote or contributed to more than 81 scientific articles and publications. He worked on committees and projects as a volunteer and a consultant for countless health agencies, institutes, universities, clinics, pharma-ceutical companies, Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Food and Drug Administration. He was a Fellow of the American Statistical Association.
Dr. Miller often attributed his pioneering of how to live a successful life with a debilitating condition to his wife, Kay who was at his side with strong and loving support for 38 years. He also credited his parents, siblings, and extended family for his early successes. He had an indomitable will, remarkable courage and determination, and an insatiable interest in learning and teaching.
Dr. Miller was preceded in death by his parents, M. Clinton Miller II and Beatrice Miller, and one sister, Donna Miller Mays.
He is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kay) Hamit Miller; one sister, Karlyn, and her husband, David Stephens of Biloxi, Miss.; a brother, David Miller, and his wife, Barbara Neas of Norman, Okla.; and a brother-in-law, Edgar and Nancy Mays of Castle Rock.
He is also survived by a loving host of seven nieces and six nephews, grateful recipients of his generosity and targets of his lectures on a broad array of topics.
The memorial service was led by Dr. Miller’s brother-in-law, the Rev. Dr. David Stephens on Feb. 14 at the Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Funeral Home at 407 Jerry Street in Castle Rock.
The family prefers memorial gifts to either the Claremore Public School Foundation, 310 N. Weenonah St., Claremore, OK 74017 or to Opportunities Inc. 6101 North State Line; Texarkana, TX 75503. The latter is a lifetime program for the developmentally disabled that has a central play facility named after Dr. Miller’s nephew, Josh Beauchamp.
It was truly a valuable experience having worked
in the Department of Biometry and Epidemiology under the directions
of Dr. M. Clinton Miller as chairman. He was a remarkable person.
I always admired the fact that he allowed his handicap to take a
back seat. He was an outstanding leader of our department, and you
had to be equipped with knowledge, skills and know-how to keep up with
him; therefore, he certainly brought the best out of me.
—Terri White Dashiell, Department of Biometry and Epidemiology
When Clint started the Biometry Department
with a systems science component, there wasn't a lot of appreciation of
its relevance. Today we call the area Systems Biology and Bioinformatics,
and all of the schools now are scrambling for position in the
field. In this regard, Clint was clearly visionary and a man ahead
of his time.
—Rebecca Knapp, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biometry and Epidemiology
Clint was one of the most impressive and inspiring people I have ever met. There was no one who was not in awe of his perseverance and his incredible will to make the best of whatever life offered or demanded. He served as a role model for many, both personally and in his scientific and administrative career.
Clint had a keen sense of leadership and a vision for scientific needs and developments that were matched by very few. Charged simply with providing statistical support for the university, he started master’s and Ph.D. programs, pushed for the implementation of epidemiology and health outcome research, and hired mathematical modelers and systems scientists thirty years before most others recognized the value of systems analysis in biology and medicine.
I owe him a great deal and will remember him fondly and hold his legacy
in high esteem.
—Eberhard O. Voit, Ph.D., Professor of Biometry and Epidemiology
and Director of Bioinformatics Program
Dr. Clint Miller was a courageous person of tremendous
foresight. He built an outstanding department and did much to develop
the College of Graduate Studies while serving as chair of the Department
of Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
—Dr. Rosalie Crouch, Professor of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry
When I began working with Dr. Miller in the early
70's I was totally
unaware of the impact he would make on my life.
He certainly encouraged me to strive for the best. Dr. Miller believed
in education, research and leadership. He was great man, was a good friend,
and will be missed by many.
—Barbara W. Middleton, Department of Biometry and Epidemiology
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