Jerry Dean McMillian

February 16,1933 - May 3, 2022

Merced California - Jerry Dean McMillian passed away with family by his side on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at his home in Merced. He was 89.

Jerry was born February 16, 1933, in Chickasha, Oklahoma and moved to California with his family as a young child. He lived in Mariposa for 32 years before moving to Merced 10 years ago. A KC135 Tanker Pilot, Standardization and Evaluation Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot, Jerry retired as a Lt. Colonel from the United States Air Force at Castle AFB after serving 20 years. He was later employed as a Title Searcher in Merced, Mariposa and Kern Counties. An avid bowler, he participated in several local leagues including the Bellevue Tuesday afternoon Seniors. Jerry was a talented gardener and landscaper who loved his irises and roses.

Jerry was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 45 years, Wilma Charlene “Charli” McMillian; his parents, Hattie Lois (Chapman Ogle) Burchell and Everett Earl Ogle; brother; James Earl “Corky” McMillian; daughter, Sherri Lyn McMillian; and stepson, Gregory Crane (Cindy).

He is survived by his daughter, Terri McMillian Mercer (Robert); step-children, William “Woody" Crane and Kirsten Griffith (Mike); niece, Julie McMillian; sister-in-law Judy Reta; eight grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will begin at 11:00 am Saturday, May 21, at Plainsburg Cemetery, 8943 Gillette Ave., Le Grand, CA 95333.

Memorial donations may be made to Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation, 2740 M Street, Merced, CA 95340, or www.supportmercymerced.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the McMillian family.