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Why in William B. Miller’s Name?
At first I thought by default the Scholarship would be named after our Real Estate Group- The Nellis Group Scholarship Fund. Then as I was talking with Mr. Emerson from PVI he mentioned that I could name it anything I wanted. Without really thinking I told him William B. Miller. See, William B. Miller was my grandfather. He is also perhaps the most gentle and godly man I have ever known. I remember one conversation I had with him while I was in high school and he was in his 80s. We were sitting in the backyard of his home in Kentucky enjoying the beautiful day. I leaned over and asked “As you look back on your life what is your greatest accomplishment?” Now I did not know that much of his early years, I did know that he operated a crane for most of his life. When he retired he spent most of his time building and repairing bicycles for neighborhood kids to be able to ride for free. He looked at me without hesitation and stated “Accepting Christ as my personal savior.” I know that I struggled with that answer because I fought myself at that time to come back with “Well, sure that is important but what have you yourself accomplished?” I was so glad I did not blurt that out because as I thought about restating the question I looked over at him. He had a true look of peace upon him. The simplest act that any of us could perform yet the greatest act was what held everything together for him. You see, I typically complicate life and my spiritual walk with God. I put in all kinds of rules and formulas that I have “picked up” over the years from Churches and other people of the faith. Many times it robs me of the simplicity of humbly coming to God, realizing I am a sinner and living out a life afforded me by the grace of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. I know that the mission at PVI is to foster an environment for students to “Grow in God’s grace and wisdom”; I can think of no better person for this Scholarship to be named after. William B. Miller (my Papa) lived his life as a result of God’s grace and shared his life with others through God’s wisdom.
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