“M” is for Milliken, Roger (1915-2010)

“M” is for Milliken, Roger (1915-2010). Businessman, political activist. Born in New York Milliken graduated from Yale and joined the textile firm his grandfather had founded--Deering Milliken company. In 1947 he moved to Spartanburg and also started to concentrate the company's operations in the South Carolina Piedmont. He turned Deering Milliken into one of the biggest and most successful textile corporations in the United States. In addition to his business career, Milliken took an active role in the conservative politics of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the nation. Soon after relocating in South Carolina, he participated in building the Republican Party in the state, offering the party his energy, leadership, and deep pockets. Roger Milliken was also an active and civic minded citizen of Spartanburg and supported local pro bono issues and institutions with his advice and sizable checks.