Robert L. McMillan Sr. died Tuesday evening December 21, 2021 of Alzheimer's. Most people don't die OF Alzheimer's but something else along the way. Mr. Mac held on and held on, and finally his organs failed, He enjoyed hearing about the music we made in high school until almost the end. He had just celebrated his 87th birthday on the 18th.
Mc.Mac outlived his former wife, Helene, and three of his four boys: Robert, Jr., Scott and Dave. He is survived by his son Dan and his wife and four children. Rob's three children and David, Dave's son. (I think that's all) but there may be a great-grandchild, which would be Rob's. He is also survived by his partner of nearly 40 years, Isaac Wayne Hollon. Isaac is sometimes called Isaac and sometimes called Wayne.
Bob is also survived by his younger brother, William, or Bill and his wife Carolyn. They have two sons also. Bob had an older brother, James Jr. and I don't know if he's living or not. He and his wife had at least three children.
Bob's parents were James Sr. and Ruth, and James owned the Fairborn Daily Herald back in the day when it was a local paper. Somehow I ended up with a couch that had been Grandma Ruth's when I went to houskeeping. Carolyn must have given it to me. I babysat their boys.
I do know that Bob went to Wittenberg University and started teaching at Springfield Shawnee high school. He was the BAND director. I can't remember how he got into choral music, but aren't we glad he did?
I got the double whammy. I sang in the church choir at First Presbyterian Church, so I had Mr. Mac there too. He directed from the organ, something that was done quite often back then.
I am so glad that we were able to get Bob inducted into the FCS Hall of Honor. That happened way too late. Thank you to Natalie Phillips for writing it all up and submitting it. There were others involved in various tasks and the evening was lovely, even though Bob could not attend. It was 2015 and he had fallen and hit his head. Things were recorded for him.
There is a better obituary coming with all the awards and degrees and so forth that he accomplished, so I will publish it when it comes out. If you have memories to add, please do for all to read.
I am told that there will be a Memorial Service at First Presbyterian Church in Fairborn (Highview Ave) sometime in the spring. Bill is handling that as he's a member.
ROBERT (BOB) L. MCMILLAN, FCS TEACHER, CHOIR DIRECTOR-FHS Flyers, and FHS FLYERS CLASS of 1952
Robert “Bob” L. McMillan, Sr. passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in his home in Pompano Beach, FL, with his loving partner and spouse of many years, Isaac Wayne Hollon-McMillan, by his side. Bob was born December 18, 1934, in Springfield, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Ruth G. McMillan, his former wife, Helene McMillan Erhart, and three of their sons, Robert (FHS-76) L. Jr., Scott (FHS-78) V. S., and David C. (FHS-81)
In addition to Isaac, Bob is survived by brothers, James G. (BATH-49) and J. William McMillan; his youngest son, Daniel (Jenny) McMillan, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A 1952 graduate of Fairborn High School Flyers, Bob went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Wittenberg University and a master’s degree in Education and Curriculum from Wright State University. He was Supervisor of Music and Director of Choral Activities for Fairborn City Schools for more than 30 years, and the choirs he directed were renowned for their excellence. He touched the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom continue to this day to express their love of music in church and community choirs. Over the years students kept in touch with their beloved “Mr. Mac” through cards, letters, phone calls, and even an occasional visit, much to his amazement and delight.
Bob’s talent and love of music was nurtured by his loving parents from a very early age. By the age of 13, he was organist for the Fairborn Presbyterian Church, and for the next 70 years served as Director of Music, Senior Organist, and Choral Director at various churches in Ohio and Florida, displaying his profound love of God to all who listened.
Bob’s 2015 induction into the Fairborn City Schools Hall of Honor was one of his proudest achievements. Unable to attend because of illness, his former student, J. Chris (FHS-66) Moore, accepted the honor on Bob’s behalf.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Bob’s memory to the following:
Alzheimer’s Association
225 N. Michigan Avenue
Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601
800.272.3900
Or
Fairborn First Presbyterian Church
1130 Highview Drive
Fairborn, OH 45324
937.878.3954
SERVICE: Spring 2022 TBA