Jerry was born on February 27, 1933, in Lawrenceville, Illinois to Clarence Wesley and Zilpha Mae McMillin.
He was always active as a boy working various jobs around town. He played basketball & ran track in High School, until joining the Navy at age 17. He served as an aviation mechanic with the VP-6 & VF-194 Squadrons and moved up the ranks to Petty Officer 2nd class.
After his discharge from the Navy, he married Patricia Clark. While working as a private pilot for numerous companies he landed his dream job at Trans World Airlines in 1964. They started a family and moved to California, settling in Huntington Beach in 1968.
Jerry had many interests and hobbies, from his airplanes, cars, boats, and RC model planes. In fact, his ties to model airplanes date back to when he was a young boy, and this passion was present throughout his life. He loved air and auto racing, and even participated in a few Reno air races. Jerry was also, passionate about his award-winning cars, often taking top honors at local Concours De Elegance shows.
His love of travel took he and Pat all around the world often with close friends they cherished. The family loved going camping and exploring the National Parks around the country. Relaxing and boating at Lake Havasu, was a favorite place where many lifetime friendships were made.
He retired from TWA and started spending more time in Punta Gorda, Florida. There he became involved with the local RC flying club and spent many hours at the airport flying his vintage Stinson. He continued exploring the area with Pat and their many friends, both old and new.
When his health started to decline, they settled into a slower life, fulltime in Huntington Beach. He still enjoyed flying model airplanes, trips to the hobby shop and visiting with old friends at Donuts and Derelicts with his vintage Jaguar and Ferrari.
He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing at the senior center and at church.
There was always a lesson to learn and a job to do. Jerry lived a full and exciting life bringing joy and humor to everyone he met. If you knew him, I'm sure you had your own memories of him. His generosity, happy demeanor and of course his great smile.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Patricia Clark McMillin, son Christopher McMillin, daughters Kimberly Bushell, Maria Lansing, and Son Todd McMillin. His 7 Grandchildren, Jerimiah McMillin, Jessica Stierl, Michael McMillin, Matthew Lansing, Justin Bushell, Connor Lansing, Erin McMillin and his 2 great granddaughters Lorelei and Dahlia Stierl. He is also survived by his Sister Marilyn Kenley of Lakeland Florida.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com for the McMillin family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6