Mr. Harry Lee McMillan, aged 66, of Red Springs, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on January 3, 2025, at UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hospital. Born on November 22, 1958, in Hamlet, NC, he was the son of the late Mrs. Marcie Pierce McMillan and Mr. Belton McMillan.
Harry has joined his parents, sisters Mrs. Barbara Anderson and Mrs. Alice Henderson, and his cherished dogs in Heaven, finding joy and peace in his eternal home.
A man devoted to his faith, family, and the UNC Tar Heels, Harry’s memory will be treasured by his wife of 42 years, Reba McMillan; his children, Benjamin McMillan (Erica) of Lumberton, NC, Andrew McMillan (Ashley) of Apex, NC, David McMillan (Emmy) of Raleigh, NC, and Carolina McMillan (Dustin) of Jacksonville, FL; and his six beloved grandchildren: Landon, Caleb, Zanna, Levi, Bentley, and Miles, who were the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by his brother Belton McMillan (Diane) of Pembroke, NC, sisters Madius Flanagan of Maxton, NC, and Janice McMillan of Matthews, NC, along with numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who held a special place in his heart.
Harry wholeheartedly embraced his roles as a husband, father, and “Papa.” Whether enjoying quiet moments reading on the beach with his wife, enthusiastically watching Tar Heel games with his children, or playfully chasing his grandchildren as a pretend zombie, he was the epitome of love and devotion. He instilled in his grandchildren the comforting notion that cookies and ice cream, especially grape ice cream, could solve any problem.
Beyond his family, Harry was deeply committed to his profession as a physical therapist. A 1981 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Physical Therapy, he proudly became the first Lumbee male physical therapist. His career spanned many years with Healthkeeperz and Scotland Memorial Hospital, where he earned admiration from colleagues and patients alike for his kindness and infectious sense of humor. Harry was known for his endless supply of “dad jokes,” which he shared even in his final moments.
He was fortunate to have countless friends who were like family, including his Prospect High School Class of 1977 classmates and his SandHills Emmaus Soul Brothers. Harry dedicated years to volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America and was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Gifted with a generous heart, Harry continued to help others even after his passing through organ donation.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the compassionate and excellent staff at UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hospital and Scotland Memorial Hospital for their care of Harry in recent weeks.
Harry’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. However, there is solace in knowing he is now at peace with Jesus, cheering “Go Heels!” from Heaven.
Funeral services for Mr. Harry McMillan will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Following the service, a private interment will be held at a later date. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place on Thursday evening, January 9th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Richard Boles Funeral Service.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made in Harry’s name to the Sandhills Emmaus Walk, St. Paul’s Methodist Church for Missions, or The Gideons International.
Those attending the visitation at Richard Boles Funeral Service are encouraged to wear their favorite college team apparel in celebration of Harry’s love for collegiate sports.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Harry Lee McMillan, please visit our floral store.
