Billy Wayne "Bill" McMillan's Obituary
Billy Wayne “Bill” McMillan
April 20, 1932 - March 22, 2026
Billy Wayne “Bill” McMillan passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026 at the age of 93. Born in Longview, Texas on April 20, 1932 to Abbie Louis McMillan and Pearl Purcell McMillan, he was the “baby” of four children.
He graduated from Pine Tree High School and attended Kilgore College and SMU. After college, Bill proudly served as a boomer in the United States Air Force in the Korean War. He joined Greggton United Methodist Church at the age of 15 and was the oldest and longest standing member at the time of his passing.
Bill met many friends throughout his careers in the restaurant and beverage industries. He retired from Harley’s Liquor Store at the age of 89 and a half, just shy of his goal of working until he was 90.
He was a prankster and you could always count on him having a story to tell. Bill never met a stranger. He spent many hours with friends at the Pig Trail Inn and later with his Whataburger buddies for breakfast. As a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan, Bill now has the best seat in the house to watch his favorite teams.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Pearl McMillan, sisters Gladys Dean and Maxine Wheaton, brother Lewis McMillan, and grandsons Luke Hawthorne and Zach Hawthorne.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 46 years, Cindy McMillan, his daughters, Sharon (Jerry) Little, Sheri Hawthorne and Suzanne (Jeff) Fry. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Lacey Little, Emma (Connor) Bailey, Will (Kelby) Harris, Sydney Harris (fiancé Cutter Cowart), Sam Hawthorne (fiancé Kinsley Gaston), Josh Hawthorne and Lilly Fry, great-granddaughter, Addy Young, and two greats on the way. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and special friend, Bruce Meador who visited him weekly for the last three and a half years.
Graveside services will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens on Monday, March 30 at 10:00 am. Services will be led by Chaplin William Necessary and grandson Sam Hawthorne.
The McMillan family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff at Pine Tree Lodge Nursing Facility, who have taken care of him for the last three and a half years. Not only have they treated him like family, but they have become part of ours. We would also like to give special thanks to Dr. Shen and staff at AccentCare Hospice for their dedication to us all.
Arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home in Longview.
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