McCormick CEO Rodney Miller shares his favorite tractor story:
Please let me tell you about more than just a tractor, although I love tractor stories tremendously also. It is the “legacy” that this particular tractor happens to be a part of.
The tractor is an International Harvester (IH) model 1086, 1978 year, SN# 2610177U029610, and was purchased by my father, John Eugene Miller, in January 1979 from Hamilton County Implements, in McLeansboro, IL. Dad was affectionately known as “Gene”, by his many friends and acquaintances, and this IH 1086 was one of the last “black seat” models made, as the new “western style” cabs had just come out. This tractor has been fully restored, and more will follow about that later, but I want to share more about the “story” and “legacy” this tractor is proud to be a part of.
Before:
After:
My Dad, Gene, simply put, was absolutely the greatest man I have ever known. He was an accomplished farmer, father, husband, friend, salesman, deacon, and most importantly, and what he would want to be remembered as; a “born again” Christian since his conversion in 1949. He loved the Lord more than anything else in his life and truly “walked” what he “talked”. He has passed a legacy to me and my 3 brothers (Larry, Dennis, and Paul) and sister (Sylvia) that we are all honored to be a part of. His legacy encompasses not only the great farming and work ethics he taught us, but more about the eternal things of life; of love and passion for life, of concern for others, of teaching us to be there for others in time of need, and to enjoy friends and family, and much, much, more.
Read Rodney’s full story here.
