In Memoriam: Earl H. Miller

It was with great sadness that NAFA learned of the passing of Earl H. Miller in late-April. Miller was previously President of Corporate Collision Inc., but entered into retirement in October of 2016, moving to Palm Desert, CA.

The news of his death came as a shock to those who knew him, including Robert Martines, Chairman of Corporate Claims Management and a member of NAFA's Board of Directors. "Earl was a dear friend to many, however, (was) part of the extended Martines family. I am stunned and at a loss for words to describe what he meant to us personally and then the fleet industry. Earl was an avid sportsman., very athletic. When we played fast pitch softball, I was amazed at his agility behind the plate and his overall ability. He took up racketball and, even in his '70s, was beating guys in their '50s."

Miller was a respected figure during some of the industry's most contentious and formative years, including the oil embargoes of the 1970s and the subsequent changes in the automotive industry. Around 1980, he joined SALEX as a salesperson and got the company involved in subrogation recovery. Later, Miller moved to CEI. Miller later formed his own company, Corporate Collision Inc.

Miller was a committed presence in regard to NAFA's chapters, regularly taking part in planning and development for the previously separate New York and InterCounty Chapters, as well as the New Jersey Chapter. For his efforts, he received NAFA's Outstanding Chapter Service Award (Affiliate) in 2001.

Martines said what will most be missed about Earl Miller was his enthusiasm and spirit. "There was never a time when he couldn't tell a joke, and he was a big kid at heart." A father to two sons and one step-daughter, Miller also was known as a jovial adopted father-figure to the families of his friends. Martines noted that Miller saw no differences between generations and was able to engage in conversations with any and all who approached him.

Miller was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. In recent years, he took up boating. His final request, according to Martines, was that his ashes might be split up so that they could be both sprinkled into the Pacific Ocean and dropped onto the field of Yankee Stadium. He is survived by his children and loving wife Susan.

NAFA thanks Earl Miller for his years of service to the Association, to the fleet profession, and for his kind-hearted personality.