Roland “Ron” Richard McMillan, age 86, passed away on November 30, 2024, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on February 5, 1938, in Mackinac County, Marquette Township to Judd and Lois (Gill) McMillan.
Ron grew up in Trout Lake, Michigan, and attended Rudyard High School until 1956 when he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1960. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expedition Medal for his participation in the Lebanon/Jordan War. After the Navy, he became a crane operator and joined the Operating Engineers Local 324 and retired after 40 years.
Ron loved life and being social. He loved his country and his community. He was a member of the Masonic Brotherhood, and he served as a commander of the VFW post in Brimley, Michigan, for two years and hosted the VFW picnic at his home for many years.
Ron was always there to lend a helping hand when needed. His favorite pastime was hunting, fishing, spending time in the woods and going on long rides with family and friends.
Ron is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nellie; two children, Dennis (Leslie) McMillan and Phyllis (Brian) Harkema; four grandchildren, Jamie McMillan, Justin (Lindsey) McMillan, Jake (Megan) Willard, and Jennifer Krueger; sixteen great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald (Carol) McMillan, Rick (Judi) McMillan, Tarry (Kathy) McMillan and Milton (Alma) McMillan; and sisters, Doris Heigel, Carol Drunkenmiller, Audrey (Pat) McCarry and Debbie (Brad) Gross.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Judd and Lois; three brothers, Paul, Donald, and Walter McMillan; sister, Diane Voss; and three grandsons, Joel McMillan, Jordan Willard and Jeremy Krueger.
In lieu of flowers the family would like you to plant a tree in his memory.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
