Sol Clayburn Miller

Sol Clayburn Miller passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2025, at his home in Bonita Springs, Florida at age 88. As the youngest born to Solomon C. Miller Sr. and Hazel Miller in Pendleton, Indiana, and only boy, he was lovingly referred to lifelong as "Butch" by his parents and three sisters Patricia, Sandra, and Joan. He was a star athlete in high school and went on to Purdue University, where he became a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor (PE/LS). Never one to work for anyone else, Sol quickly founded a firm with three of his friends and called it Mid-States Engineering Company, later shortened to MSE Corporation. A natural entrepreneur who relished taking calculated risks, he grew the company into the pre-eminent engineering, mapping and surveying firm in Indiana. Whether it was Monument Circle, the State Office Building, the airport, the Hoosier Dome, the golf course inside the Indy 500 or thousands of other projects, there were few aspects of Indianapolis that were not touched and shaped by Sol and his firm. In the 1980's he pioneered the use of digital mapping internationally for the military, municipalities and utility industry, including the Indianapolis Mapping and Geographic Infrastructure System (IMAGIS) which served as the model across the US for digital management of public works. Sol was also a Partner in the Everett I. Brown architecture firm and founded the SCM Real Estate Development Company SCM created 15 Indianapolis communities for over 3,000 families that revolutionized residential development through visionary landscape architectural design and world-class amenities. His leadership style and mentorship attracted top talent who were devoted to him and went on to form the next generation of industry leaders, many starting their own companies. His decades of contribution were recognized by a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indiana Geographic Information Council, and ultimately resulted in the highest honor that can be given by the State of Indiana, with Sol being named a "Sagamore of the Wabash" by Governor Frank O'Bannon in 1997. More importantly to him, Sol was a family man who was always there for his kids. He loved people and had an innate grasp of human nature which guided the many people who sought his counsel and wisdom. He was a strong man who delighted in small children and the accomplishments of his large family. He had a playful sense of humor and endlessly teased those he liked. An avid golfer who always had side bets going on, he was a good friend to everyone he knew. And he loved nothing more than enjoying a laugh-filled dinner and martini out with his family or friends. Sol is survived by his loving wife Janice Miller. Sol and Jan were inseparable during their 52 years together and were a model of happy marriage to their family and friends. Sol will be deeply missed by his five children and stepchildren: Kimberly Hash (Jim), Chris Hamilton (Joanne), Dr. Clay Miller (Kristin), Denise Klein (Michael) and Kathryn Haley (Duke), and his beloved dog Missy. He had 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren whom he prized spending time with, especially in boating, tubing and teaching them to waterski at Lake Wawasee. Sol, you were a great man in every dimension, and we who deeply love you thank you for your remarkable life of being our rock - an unforgettable husband, father, and grandpa that made a wonderful world for all of us. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of generations and in the Circle City you helped build. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.