Harold McMillian

On June 27, 1956, God blessed the world with the birth of Harold McMillian in New Orleans, Louisiana. Born to the late Thomas and Iretta McMillian, Harold was one of seven children whose life would become a shining example of faith, service, dedication, and love.

On June 11, 2026, after courageously battling cancer, Harold answered God’s call home. Like the faithful soldier he had always been, he fought valiantly until the very end, demonstrating remarkable strength, determination, and unwavering faith. Though his earthly journey ended sixteen days before his 70th birthday, Heaven was preparing a greater celebration, a birthday beyond compare at Heaven’s Gates.

Harold graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in 1975 and immediately answered another call to service. On July 28, 1975, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country with honor and distinction. During his military career, he earned numerous commendations, including the Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He also proudly served during Operation Desert Storm.

Whether serving his country, his family, or his community, Harold believed in giving his very best.

Tiny Seeds Grow Mighty Trees

If you asked Harold what mattered most in life, his answer would have been simple: family.

Harold met the love of his life, Dr. Linda Reed, during her junior year of high school at the famous Club in New Orleans. What began as young love blossomed into a beautiful partnership that would span nearly forty-three years. On July 3, 1983, they were united in holy matrimony, beginning a journey filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion.

Together, Harold and Linda traveled the world, building memories and a life rooted in mutual respect and admiration. Everyone knew how deeply Harold loved “his Linda.” His mission was simple, to make sure she was happy. Even in his final moments, his love remained evident, as he lovingly declared that his wife was gorgeous. They cared for one another, complemented each other perfectly, and were often known as the best-dressed couple in the room.

Harold’s greatest pride came when he became a father. He welcomed his first son, Harold, followed by Christopher, Rashad, and his beloved daughter, Fanchon. He cherished each child individually, creating special bonds that reflected his endless love and dedication. He wanted his children to experience the very best life had to offer and worked hard to provide opportunities that would help them succeed.

Yet, becoming a grandfather elevated his joy to an entirely new level. His heart overflowed when his grandson, Harold Jr., arrived. He was equally delighted when his granddaughter, Legacy, was born and became his self-appointed nurse. Determined and hopeful, Harold fought to remain with his family long enough to welcome his youngest granddaughter, Chrislyn, into the world, a blessing that brought him immeasurable happiness.

Harold was the glue that held his family together. He loved his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family with all his heart. Whenever there was a problem to solve, Uncle Harold found a way to make things happen. His kindness, humor, wisdom, and willingness to serve left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.

He especially treasured family gatherings and holidays. Whether the New Orleans Saints were winning or losing, Harold could always be found cheering on his beloved black and gold alongside the people he loved most.

Walking by Faith

Before Harold became a soldier, businessman, husband, or father, he became a child of God.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Ruben Watts. Throughout his life, Harold remained committed to his faith and faithfully served under the leadership of the late Rev. Pete Varnado, Jr. and Rev. Reginald Varnado, Sr.

His service to the church was extensive and heartfelt. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School member, Baptist Training Union participant, member of Young Men for Christ, and Men of Faith. Harold believed that faith was not simply something to profess, it was something to live.

In 2023, he united with Franklin Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Fred Luter, Jr., where he continued his walk with Christ.

Harold’s life reflected the values of the Savior he loved. His compassion, humility, generosity, and servant’s heart served as a daily testimony to the faith he carried within him.

A Visionary Builds a Legacy

Harold understood the value of hard work.

He attended Delgado Community College and he began his professional career at NASA/Martin Marietta before pursuing a dream that would impact generations to come. Together, Harold and his beloved wife, Linda, established McMillian’s First Steps Child Development Center.

For more than thirty-eight years, Harold dedicated himself to nurturing young minds and helping shape the future. He did not create the center simply because he loved children; he created it because he understood that every child deserves a strong foundation upon which to build their life.

Through vision, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Harold transformed McMillian’s First Steps into more than a childcare center, it became a place of love, learning, encouragement, and opportunity.

Countless children and families were touched by his kindness and generosity. To many, he became affectionately known as “Uncle Harold.” He possessed a unique gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. His impact reaches far beyond the walls of the center and will continue to be felt for generations.

Harold was also a member of Young Men of Illinois.

A Crown of Glory and a Heavenly Birthday Celebration

As Harold approached Heaven’s Gates, he was not met with sorrow but with celebration. The faithful soldier had laid down his armor. The devoted husband had completed his assignment. The loving father and grandfather had fulfilled his purpose. The faithful servant had finished his race.

Now, on streets paved with gold, he celebrates a birthday unlike any other, a heavenly birthday in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Harold leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Dr. Linda Reed McMillian; his children, Harold Cooley, Sr., Christopher, Rashad, and Fanchon McMillian; one daughter-in- law, Brandy McMillian; his grandchildren, Harold Cooley, Jr., Legacy, and Chrislyn McMillian; his step-granddaughter, Liberty Collins; his siblings, Richard (Marion) Voss, Thomas McMillian, Jr., Gwendolyn Bates, and Carolyn (Joseph) Parker; his nephews, Furnell (Consuella) McMillian, Sr., Jerome Robinson, and Brandon (Lindsey) Parker; his nieces, Cherona (Patrick) Walker, Chaniel Age, Chantrell (Jesse) Causey, Chedaphne (Erroll) Audrict, and Chalana (Ezra) Landry; his mother-in-law, Salienier Alexander; his brother-in-law, Percy (LaToya) Reed; his godchildren, Chaniel Age, Prinsey Walker, Patrick Walker, Jr., and London Landry; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, church family members, dear friends, and the many children and families whose lives were forever changed by his love and example.

The family also extends special appreciation to Tenika Paige for her loyal support, devoted caregiving, and unwavering love shown to Harold and the entire McMillian family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Iretta McMillian; his beloved siblings, Cherolyn McMillian and Merlin McMillian.

Though we mourn his earthly departure, we rejoice knowing that Harold has received his heavenly reward. His life was a testimony of faith, family, service, perseverance, and love. He fought life’s battles courageously, loved deeply, served faithfully, and left this world better because he was here.

Today, we do not say goodbye.

We simply celebrate a saint crowned in glory, rejoicing on his birthday at Heaven’s Gates.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Family and friends are invited to attend services for Harold on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Visitation will be held at St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, 2538 Jackson Ave New Orleans, LA from 10:00am until the service begins at 11:00am. A second line will follow to McMillian's First Steps Child, 2601 S Claiborne Ave New Orleans, LA. A graveside service will then follow to All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery.