News Summary
John William McMillian, a decorated veteran and dedicated educator from Simpsonville, South Carolina, has passed away at the age of 84. He is remembered for his service in the U.S. Army, where he earned numerous honors including the Bronze Star, as well as for his impactful career in education that spanned nearly four decades. McMillian was deeply rooted in his faith and made significant contributions to the lives of students and the community. His legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched.
Simpsonville, South Carolina – John William McMillian, a decorated veteran and respected educator, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 84. He is remembered for his deep faith and contributions to both the military and educational fields. Born in Milton, West Virginia, McMillian lived a life marked by service and commitment, leaving a legacy that will be honored by family, friends, colleagues, and students alike.
McMillian was born into a hardworking family that held strong ties to the West Virginia mountains. After completing high school at Huntington High School in 1958, he pursued higher education at Marshall University, graduating in 1963. Following his graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army, where he served as an officer from 1963 to 1968. His service earned him several military honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and Airborne wings. Most notably, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership role in directing a company involved in petroleum operations during combat in the Republic of Vietnam.
After concluding his military service, McMillian turned his focus to education, earning a doctorate in educational leadership and business management. His career spanned nearly four decades, during which he worked in various capacities such as a public-school teacher, coach, administrator, and college professor. Known affectionately as “Dr. Mac,” he held significant leadership positions in high schools across Newnan, Duluth, and Dalton, Georgia, and served as the county superintendent of schools for Walker County.
In addition to his roles in K-12 education, McMillian dedicated twenty-two years to Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, Georgia, as both an adjunct and full-time professor. Beyond academia, he was a devoted member of various congregations, where he actively participated as a deacon or elder. Following his retirement, he settled in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where he devoted his time to studying the Bible and teaching his grandchildren.
McMillian was inspired by his Christian faith, publicly attributing his achievements to his belief in Jesus Christ and acknowledging his own shortcomings. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Posey McMillian, along with three children: John William “Chip” McMillian, II of Milton, West Virginia, June McMillian Wheeler of Woodstock, Georgia, and Everett Eugene McMillian of Florence, South Carolina. Additionally, he left a legacy with five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a younger brother, Morris Eugene McMillian of Charleston, West Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Maudie McMillian, and his first spouse, Carol Jo Bailey. McMillian will be interred with full military honors at Nazareth Presbyterian Church in Moore, South Carolina, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 am, with Reverend Det Bowers officiating the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, an organization committed to providing aid to those in need. Donations can be sent to PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or made online. An online guest register is available on the funeral home’s website.
John William McMillian’s life resonates profoundly with the spirit of the West Virginia state motto, Montani Semper Liberi (“Mountaineers are Always Free”), symbolizing the values of freedom, faith, and community service he cherished throughout his life.
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