William E. "Bill" MacMillan

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Amos and Grace Asher MacMillan. He was predeceased by his siblings, James R. MacMillan (Bettie),Mildred M. McCullough (Jim) and Marion M. Moody (Reverend Henry). He was preceded in death by his former wife, Pat MacMillan; and his special lady friend, Betty Wilkinson, with whom he enjoyed 40 years of great adventures.

Bill grew up in the Woodland Heights part of Richmond, Virginia and remained in the area where he enjoyed snow sledding and ice skating at Forest Hill Park, swimming in the James River, riding bicycles and motorcycles, and hiking with family and friends He was still snow sledding and ice skating well into his 80’s. He rode his bike around town until he was 95 and half years old and danced 2 to 3 nights a week. He loved to camp and enjoyed his River House in Deltaville, VA where he fished, boated, enjoyed midnight walks , waterskied, and where he loved to sit and think, and at other times, just sit and not think. When he was raising his daughters, his yard was the place to be with a zip line, bikes, tree swings, a basketball court, and tree houses. He took the neighborhood kids and cousins camping, taught them to fish, how to camp, how to dive and how to maintain their bikes.

Bill worked in transportation management after graduating RPI (VCU). He served and retired from the Virginia National Guard after 30 years of service. He worked in the offices of C&O Railroad, Mobile Chemical Company, and finally, at Philip Morris before retiring at age 55 - returning the original pen they gave him on his first day (to avoid waste). He then spent the last 41 years doing exactly as he pleased; traveling the world, snorkeling, mountain climbing, visiting Asia, going on 36 world cruises, swimming, dancing, socializing, camping ,hiking, and spending weekends in Deltaville, enjoying his rum and cigars. He loved the stars. His motto was “if you have the time, everything is in walking distance.”

Bill was completely unburdened by fashion standards, material possessions, status, and impervious to gossip, fads, and the superficial opinions of others.There were two ways of doing things: his way and the wrong way. He was calm, gentle, frugal to a fault, direct, and practical. He was a rock of consistency and just about as flexible. He was one of the most unique, true-to-himself people you would ever meet. He always had a sparkle in his eye, a slight smile and a lesson to teach, whether you thought you required one or not. He believed you should leave a place better than you found it. He was still picking up trash from the Richmond City ditches into his mid 90’s. The only thing he hated was waste.

Bill is survived by his three devoted daughters, Dr. Pamela J. MacMillan ( David Winfrey), Cheryl R MacMillan, and Carol M. Bennett (David). He is survived by 8 grandchildren, Christopher Winfrey (Brandon), Carter Winfrey, Jeanne Clunn (Michael), Toni Mullins (Nate), Gracie Verlander, Jacob Whitaker, Erica Bennett and Kyle Bennett. He leaves behind 5 great grandchildren, along with 29 nieces and nephews and dozens of great nieces and nephews, and two sisters in law, Edith Little and Carlies Little.

Bill leaves behind a devoted lady squad of friends, dinner and dancing partners, and many friends from Quarles Dance Hall, The Moose Lodge, The American Legion, The Starlighter’s Club, special neighbors, and his favorite mail carrier lady.

The MacMillan family expresses deep respect and appreciation to grandson Jacob Whitaker who graciously put his life on hold for the last several months to help take care of Bill, affording him the ability to live in his own home until he was ready to leave this world. A special thank you to Rhonda Jonell Smith- Allen for her devotion and support.

A celebration of the unique life of Bill MacMillan will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA, 23113.