Douglas Malone McMillan

Doug was born on January 11, 1957 in Tifton, GA to Otsel and Wardine McMillan. United in marriage in August 2009, he is survived by his wife, Jennifer. Doug was blessed with three children from a previous marriage: Sarah (Brad) Waite, Bonnie (Steven) Foster, and DJ (Megan) McMillan. Doug was thankful to share wonderful memories with five grandchildren: Gabriel, Addison, and Emma Grace Foster, and Andrew and Davis Waite. Doug treasured his special bond with ADW, who shared Doug’s love of SEC football, geography, and history. Also surviving are brothers-in-law David (Brook) Summa, Joseph (Cassidy) Gibbs, Christopher (Jennifer) Gibbs, and sister-in-law (BFF) Michelle Gibbs. He had a large extended family including many aunts (Helen Meders Revels, for whom he was eternally grateful), uncles, nieces (especially Heather Denham and Elise Gibbs), nephews (especially Johnny Gibbs), and the Williams family (Mama Helen, Rex, and Tara) who provided him with many smiles and much laughter.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Otsel and Wardine (Meders) McMillan, his beloved canine companions, Jaws and Jelli McMillan, and a number of aunts and uncles (particularly Hank Meders, whom he remembered fondly).

Doug joined the Army in 1976 where he learned and developed his communications skill set. It was during this time he met James Kaleis for whom he remained forever grateful. James kept a roof over Doug’s head and a hot meal (a nice break from rice with the occasional treat of beans) on standby to supplement Doug’s Army stipend. Doug credits the Army to changing his life and putting him on his career path in the telecommunications industry. He began his career out of the Army climbing poles and towers 500+ feet high, not because he wasn’t afraid of heights, because he didn’t like to starve. Through his hard work ethic (partially attributable to his early years painting for his father), he worked his way up through cable companies (including Storer and Scripps Howard), often moving to cable systems that needed “fixing”. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Shorter College in order to pursue career advancement opportunities. He earned the Circle of Success Award in 2001 for Jacksonville market turnaround with Comcast. Doug credits opportunity meeting preparation meeting luck combined with an awesome team. He credited surrounding himself with smarter people as his success technique of which he was thankful and appreciative to have met many amazing people throughout his extensive career. Doug culminated his career as Senior Regional Vice President with Comcast. He would like to thank John Ridall for being the best boss ever. Doug believes Joe Cona would second that motion.

Upon retirement, Doug enjoyed spending time with his boys (Jaws and Jelli), traveling, painting, photography, quality family time (especially when Cassidy brought him peanut butter pie), and writing under the pen name D Malone McMillan. He was proud to have completed fictional novels, including the Ezekiel trilogy as well as a YA book for the grands. His pride was The Bin, discussing the struggles of adequate mental health treatment for patients in a for-profit system. Doug’s friendship with Pat Kelley, who was there for Doug more often than PK will ever know, got Doug through some of life’s toughest moments. He was also forever grateful for his friendship with Joe and Lori Cona with their house being his favorite restaurant. Doug was appreciative of Ed and Kristan Malin and their support of the JB community. He particularly enjoyed their conversations.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to emergency services personnel, JBPD (especially the night squad), and JBFD, for their response, support, and professionalism during this tragedy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hardage-Giddens. In keeping with Doug’s wishes, there will be no services. Internment at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with immediate family will be held at a later date. If you would like to honor Doug’s memory, please consider a donation to Kamp Kritter Sanctuary in Jacksonville, FL, your local hospice or heart association, Sandbridge Veterinary Center (St. Augustine), or buy a veteran/active duty soldier a drink/meal. Advocate for mental health awareness and end the stigma. Continue to pass along Doug-isms; Enjoy the ride on the flying rock. Anything before the word “but” is negated. Underpromise, overdeliver. Embrace the suck. One-pager. SHK. Douger out.