HOUSTON -- A news legend passed away at the age of 89 Saturday. Former KPRC TV news director and founder of "The Eyes of Texas," Ray Miller, leaves behind a legacy of the highest broadcasting standards.

Miller was a pioneer in Texas broadcasting. His career spanned 53 years, including 31 days reporting in Vietnam.

"Nothing we had seen or heard prepared us for what we would actually find in Vietnam. It was a good bit better than we had heard," Miller said.

Miller was a gifted storyteller, known and respected across the state and around the country.

"Ray was one of those guys who set very high standards. He was one of the first and always one of the few who brought ethos standards to television," former CBS anchor and Houston reporter Dan Rather said.

Miller was the news director at KPRC TV in the 60s and 70s. For nearly 20 years, he taught through his leadership, running what was arguably the best local broadcast news department in the country.

Many took notice.

"Ray's greatest joy, I think, was hands-on management teaching, shuffling the cards around the various stories and getting them to all come together at the end of the day," former Houston broadcaster Steve Smith said.

Miller launched the popular program, "The Eyes of Texas," on KPRC.

He also launched a lot of careers.

"Ray never understood the word mediocre. He always went for the best. He wanted to do not just a job, but he wanted to do a job well. He wanted to be the best," former KPRC reporter and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said.

During his tenure, Miller won just about every award, including the prestigious Peabody.

Miller passed away after a long bout of ill health. He leaves behind a loving family.

Tentative funeral arrangements have been made for Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Sage Road.