Remembering Nancy McMillan Dedman, Philanthropist and Civic Leader

University Park, Texas

Nancy McMillan Dedman, widow of Dallas entrepreneur Robert H. Dedman Sr., died peacefully at her University Park home on Wednesday morning. She was 97 years old at the time of her passing and was recognized as a grand dame of Dallas.

Key details

Born on February 13, 1928, in Bristow, Oklahoma, to H. Mims and Oma McMillan, Dedman built a life that combined family, business partnership and sustained civic engagement. She married Robert H. Dedman Sr. in 1953; the couple founded ClubCorp in 1957. She served as ClubCorp’s vice president of interior design and was instrumental in the company becoming the largest owner and operator of private clubs in the world.

Community work and philanthropy

Dedman was actively involved in her community and supported numerous organizations, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Texas Ballet Theater, and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. She served on multiple boards, among them the Shelter Ministries of Dallas and The Salvation Army. Under her leadership, the Dedmans gave a significant $10 million contribution to the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas in 1986.

Personal interests and recognition

Known for an extensive knowledge of dining, shopping, history, art and fashion, Dedman was a voracious reader who routinely shared book recommendations. Friends and associates described her as generous and intellectually curious, with a vibrant personality that often drew attention beyond her short stature of 4’10”. Her philanthropic work was recognized with awards including the Annette Strauss Humanitarian Award and SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004.

Education and early life

Dedman graduated from Bristow High School and attended Randolph-Macon Women’s College for two years. She earned a degree in political science magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 1950. Her educational background informed a lifetime of civic involvement and leadership in cultural and educational institutions.

Survivors and services

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Dedman Nail, son Robert H. Dedman Jr., and her older sister Betty Kelly, among other family members. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday at Highland Park United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow at the SMU Meadows Museum. Contributions in her honor can be made to the Crystal Charity Ball, UTSW O’Donnell Brain Institute, or the SMU North Dallas High School Scholars program.

Context and impact

As a business partner in ClubCorp and a long-standing civic leader, Dedman’s influence extended across private industry, arts institutions and educational philanthropy. Her role in ClubCorp’s expansion contributed to the company’s international profile as a major operator of private clubs. Her charitable giving and board work supported cultural organizations and social services in Dallas and beyond.

Next steps for the community

Community members and organizations honoring her memory can attend the scheduled services and consider the listed contributions to philanthropic funds selected by the family. The Celebration of Life and the reception at SMU Meadows Museum provide public opportunities to pay respects and acknowledge her civic contributions.