George E. Miller ’54

George died Oct. 2, 2021, of advanced kidney disease. 

He joined Princeton from Bronxville (N.Y.) High School, majored in English, ate at Tower Club, and participated in Joe Brown’s creative arts class.

Commissioned in the Army and given a choice of assignment, he chose “Germany” and “Journalism.” In Munich, he headed a troop newspaper that served an area the size of West Virginia, where he raised his paper’s standing among other Army journals in Europe from 15th place to first.

Returning home, he landed a job in advertising, starting in the mailroom. After several agency stints, he spent his career at Grey Advertising, where he became part of a new business team that led to Grey’s becoming the largest agency in New York City.

In 1963 he married Deborah Best, daughter of a cosmopolitan and nomadic family. She spoke five languages and planned the family’s frequent trips abroad. 

During his long advertising career, George spent many nights and weekends pursuing his passion as a self-taught sculptor. He crafted many thought-provoking, fantastical, and allegorical figures that won prizes at competitions sponsored by the Nassau County Museum of Art. They can be seen at www.georgeevelynmiller.com. 

George is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Deborah Miller; and his daughters, Karen O’Malley and Leslie Peters ’90.