Beloved Educator and Community Leader John William McMillian Passes Away

News Summary

John William McMillian, a cherished educator and leader in Simpsonville, South Carolina, has passed away at the age of 84. His profound impact on education and the community remains a lasting legacy. Known for his dedication, McMillian served as a teacher, administrator, and advocate for faith and education, leaving behind a loving family and community that will remember him fondly.

Simpsonville, South Carolina – John William McMillian, a revered educator and community leader, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 84. His contributions to education and dedication to his community left an enduring legacy.

McMillian was a resident of Simpsonville and is remembered for his commitment to service in both his professional and personal life. His favorite Bible verse, Ecclesiastes 7:8, reflects his wisdom: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning.” This sentiment encapsulates his life’s journey, which was marked by dedication to education and family.

Early Life and Education

Born in Milton, West Virginia, McMillian was the first son in a hardworking family rooted in the West Virginia mountains. He graduated from Huntington High School in 1958 before furthering his education at Marshall University, where he earned a degree in 1963. Following college, he entered the U.S. Army, serving honorably as an officer from 1963 to 1968. During his service, he was honored with several accolades, including the Army Commendation Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Airborne wings, and the Bronze Star for his leadership in Vietnam.

Career in Education

After completing his military service, McMillian pursued a career in education, earning a doctorate in educational leadership and business management. He devoted nearly four decades to various roles, including public-school teacher, coach, administrator, and college professor. His leadership impacted high schools in Newnan, Duluth, and Dalton, Georgia. He also served as the county superintendent of schools in Walker County, Georgia, before concluding his educational career at Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, Georgia, where he taught for 22 years.

Community Involvement and Faith

McMillian was an active member of several congregations, regularly serving as a deacon or elder when called upon. His faith played a significant role in his life, guiding him to invest his retirement years in studying the Bible, teaching his grandchildren, and spreading the Gospel through service and prayer. He embodied the West Virginia state motto, Montani Semper Liberi (“Mountaineers are Always Free”), and credited his faith in Jesus Christ for presenting him with extraordinary life opportunities.

Family and Legacy

McMillian 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. His family also includes 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, as well as his deceased spouse, Carol Jo Bailey.

Final Arrangements

John William McMillian will be laid to rest with full military honors at Nazareth Presbyterian Church in Moore, South Carolina, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 am. Reverend Det Bowers will officiate the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse to honor his commitment to helping others.

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Additional Resources

• Floyd Mortuary: John McMillian Obituary
• Wikipedia: Education in the United States
• Tukios: John McMillian Tribute
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Professor
• Google Search: John William McMillian Obituary
• Google News: Community Leaders in Education