JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Miller Electric Company announced this week the passing of H.E. “Buck” Autrey, Chairman Emeritus and transformational leader who served as CEO from 1966 to 2011. He was 93.
“The passing of my grandfather marks the end of an era for Miller Electric and for the electrical contracting industry,” said Henry Brown, CEO of Miller Electric Company. “Buck’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence shaped our company and strengthened the broader electrical contracting community. His legacy will continue to guide us for generations.”
Born in Tallahassee in 1932, Autrey joined Miller Electric as an apprentice in 1950 and rose through the company before becoming president in 1966. At the time, Miller Electric had fewer than 50 employees and significant debt. Under his 45 years of leadership, it grew into one of the nation’s premier electrical contractors and a Jacksonville institution that employs about 5,000 workers today.
The company is also known locally as a major sponsor of the Jacksonville Jaguars, with naming rights since 2022 to the team’s training and performance center, the Miller Electric Center.
Autrey’s influence extended beyond Miller Electric through national leadership roles with National Electrical Contractors Association, including District Vice President and National President from 1979 to 1983.
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