Ralph R. Miller

Attorney, lobbyist, civic leader, and former state representative, Ralph R. Miller, died peacefully Thursday, March 30, 2017, after a brief illness at the age of 82. Miller was born, raised, and stayed close to his hometown of Norco, Louisiana, graduating from Destrehan High School, Louisiana State University, and LSU Law School. Ralph was a dedicated public servant who served 22 years in the Louisiana State House of Representatives where he was chairman of the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice and the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs. He also served as a member of the Council of the Louisiana State Law Institute. Ralph was part of the group of young legislators nicknamed the "Young Turks" who in the 1970's brought about major legislative reforms in the operation of the legislature. The group brought transparency and accountability to the legislative process and sought legislative independence. Miller's legislative career was followed by a career as Vice President of State Governmental Relations for Freeport McMoRan and then a similar position with Crescent Technologies where he continued to actively work until his death. Ralph was a Louisiana lobbyist for 25 years, and over many years served on numerous boards including Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, Public Affairs Research Council, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Bureau of Government Research, World Trade Center, Council for a Better Louisiana, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI). Miller was especially active in the civic affairs of the communities of Norco and St. Charles Parish receiving several awards for his work in historic preservation. He was a founding and lifelong member of the River Road Historic Society, having served as its President, and his lifelong passion was the restoration of Destrehan Plantation. Miller is survived by his beloved spouse, Sue Cutrer Miller, whom he married in 1989; children Ross A. Miller, Gregory A. Miller (Amy Pfrimmer), Maria C. Miller, Maureen J. Miller (Michael Earle); brothers Homer "H.F." Miller, Jr. (Judy), D. James "Jimmy" Miller (Sonia); grandchildren Candice Miller Catalano (Anthony), Brooke Miller Bazile (Chase), Emma Miller Manson, Kristin Rome Graebert (Eddie); four great grandchildren; and Father-in-law James H. Cutrer. He was preceded in death by his parents Homer F. Miller and Emma Cambre Miller. Friends will remember the hours Ralph spent on his favorite Florida beach balcony subjecting and torturing his neighbors with John Philip Sousa marches and "National Anthems of the World" played on his loudspeakers. His numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will remember "Uncle Ralph's" generosity, kindness, humor, and hilarious stories of his nine lives, as well as his faithful friendship. Visitation will be held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Norco, Louisiana Tuesday, April 4, 6:00-8:30PM and Wednesday, April 5 11:00AM-1:00PM prior to a 1:00PM funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations to: Catholic Charities of New Orleans: 1000 Howard Avenue, Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70113; (504) 523-3755 or River Road Historical Society: P.O. Box 5 Destrehan, LA 70047 (985) 764-9315. Condolences may be expressed at www.HCAlexander.com.