Former MEMA President Bob Miller passed away on Feb. 9

Former MEMA President Robert Reece Miller, 84, passed away on Feb. 9 in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Miller served as MEMA president from 1991 until 2000. During his tenure, MEMA consolidated the headquarters of the association and two subsidiaries from locations in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. and Cleveland, Ohio, to Research Triangle Park, N.C. He also led the effort to raise MEMA’s presence on behalf of suppliers in Washington, D.C., increasing association staff and resources in the nation’s capital.

“Bob recognized the dramatic changes taking place in the motor vehicle supplier industry already beginning at that time and set MEMA on the path to strategic growth in the new business environment,” said Bill Long, MEMA executive vice president. “Thanks to Bob’s vision and foresight, MEMA and its divisions are still as vital to advancing suppliers’ business interests today as under his leadership.” 

Miller was a recognized industry leader prior to taking the helm at MEMA, joining the association from Wagner Lighting. During his career, he was active in many industry groups, including the MEMA Board of Directors, serving as its chairman from 1987-1988.

In recognition of his many contributions to the supplier industry, MEMA presented Miller with its highest honor, the MEMA Triangle Award, in 2000.

Miller is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jimmie; his daughters, Tracy Rudhall (Todd) and Kim Finley (Kirk); and grandchildren, Cole, Alex, Chase, Kai and Jax.

A celebration of his life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Bay Point Yacht Club, Panama City Beach. The full obituary and information on sending condolences are available here.

About MEMA

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its four specialized divisions comprise a leading international trade association in the fast-changing mobility industry. Representing vehicle suppliers that manufacture and remanufacture components, technologies, and systems for use in passenger cars and heavy trucks, MEMA serves as a critical bridge between high-tech capabilities in new vehicles –such as autonomous vehicles and vehicle connectivity -- and the “nuts and bolts” of vehicle manufacturing. MEMA works at state, federal, and international levels to ensure that the marketplace and public policy support the development of advanced, transformative technologies that enable safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles. By directly employing more than 871,000 Americans and generating a total employment impact of 4.26 million jobs, MEMA’s member companies are the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. MEMA’s members are represented through four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on how MEMA is leading transformation in the mobility industry, visit www.mema.org.