Alva Edward McMillion

Alva Edward McMillion age 82 of Ellenton Florida went to be with the Lord on November 11, 2021, after a brave and hard fought 10-year battle dementia/Alzheimer's disease. Alva is survived by his wife of 62 years Arlene, as well as his son Dana McMillion, daughter Tonya McMillion, three grand children: Bethany McMillion Finch, Lindsay Allan, and Travis McMillion, six great-grandchildren and one great great-grand daughter. He was the oldest of seven siblings, Gail Franquelli (deceased), Denise Parker (deceased), Brenda Wrye, Deborah Wright, Milford (Chuck) McMillion, and Michael McMillion. Proceeded in death by his parents, Alva Harrison McMillion and Edna Helen McMillion. Life-long friends Mr. & Mrs. Walter Koopman and Mr. & Mrs. Bill Wilson.

Reflecting on his life, family and friends remember him as a very faithful servant of God, a loyal, loving, kindhearted devoted father, grandfather, great and great-great grandfather.

He joined the United States Air Force in December 1958 and spent a total of eight years, four years with the Air Police guarding the B-52 and four years with Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as a K-9 handler guarding the secured test grounds at Area 51 with his guard dog (Caesar). In 1970 he started working at Florida Power & Light Port Everglades Power Plant as a boiler attendant, turbine operator, and a control center operator, then was promoted to division load dispatcher until he retired.

He was very involved in the church at Taft Street Baptist Church in Hollywood Florida, driving the church bus to pick up/drop off children for Sunday School. At Bee Ridge Baptist Church Sarasota, Florida as a deacon in the church, and First Baptist of Palmetto, Palmetto, Florida as an usher and counter for the church service in the sanctuary. He enjoyed upholstering couches, chairs and car seats, and spending time with family.

The graveside service will be on Wednesday November 26, 2022, 10:00am at the Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, address: 1400 36th Avenue E. Ellenton, Florida 34222

A Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday January 26, 2022, at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church of Palmetto address: 1020 4th Street W. Palmetto, Florida 34221.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the local Alzheimer's Association.