Dwight Edward McMillan

Always well liked growing up, he earned the nickname “Peanuts” for his love of the Charles Shultz comic strip. He loved tennis and track & field of which he excelled at both during his time at the Webb School of Knoxville. After high school, he attended Bentley University in Waltham, MA, and later graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Dwight remained in Atlanta, Georgia after moving there in the mid 80’s.

Dwight’s enterprising spirit led him down different career paths - from publishing to IT to creating a LED and Solar lighting business. When the summer Olympics came to Atlanta, he created Peach Daddy, a mascot and theme reflective of the Georgia “Peach” State. An avid animal rescue advocate he created Lola Rocks to promote the importance of supporting and adopting from rescue organizations. A tremendous talent and passion for songwriting and playing guitar, his heart and soul shined through in his music composition and lyricism.

A friend of Bill W., Dwight treasured the fellowship and program. He shared what was freely given to him by always reaching out to anyone who walked through the doors. He left this earth with 29 years of sobriety and a legacy of recovery, service, and unity.

Dwight enjoyed the simple life and loved being at home with his partner Teresa and their beloved rescue dogs (who he referred to as his “children”), either watching a movie, playing his music, watering the garden or planning his next trip to the Smoky Mountains.

One of Dwight’s most endearing traits was his sense of humor. His ability to create side-splitting laughter for those around him as well as his willingness to offer an ear or shoulder to someone in need, will be greatly missed.

Dwight was preceded in death by grandparents (F. Dwight and Bernice McDonald and Edward and Hazel McMillan), his mother, Carolyn McDonald Nichols and his father, Daniel Edward McMillan.

He leaves behind Teresa Palmer, his 20-year companion, best friend, and love (and their sweet dogs Lola, Molly and Mayo); a sister, Susan (and Chad) Smillie of Fairfax, VA; two brothers, Patrick (Atlanta, GA) and Bobby (Turlock, CA), as well as seven nieces and nephews