R. Tommy McMillan, 81, of Hoopeston, IL., passed away Sunday November 25, 2018, at 9:55 A.M. at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born February 9, 1937, in Casey, IL, the son of Thomas and Hazel (Johns) McMillan. He married Marilyn Thomas on August 21, 1959 in Greenup, IL. She survives.
He is survived by one daughter, Rhonda (John) Watson of Glasgow, KY; three sons, Eric (Karla) McMillan of Hoopeston, IL., Shaun (Annette) McMillan of Wellington, IL., and Anthony McMillan of Hoopeston, IL; one sister – in – law, Garnet McMillan of Franklin, NC; eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and only brother, Rhondel McMillan.
Tommy was a teacher for forty-four years. He taught basic business and typing which later became keyboarding. He was the last teacher in the state of Illinois to teach short hand. Tommy taught in East Lynn until 1973 and then taught at Hoopeston – East Lynn High School when they consolidated. He worked at Stokley’s during corn pack season from 1973 until the early 90’s. He belonged to the Hoopeston Historical Society and attended the United Brethren Church of Claytonville, where he served as the church secretary and treasurer. Tommy ran the scoreboard for wrestling, volleyball, and basketball and was the ticket taker for many sports. He enjoyed gardening, reading his Bible and loved visiting with his friends at Henning’s Root Beer Stand Restaurant.
A visitation will be held 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the First Church of God 1004 E. Orange St. Hoopeston, IL with Sam Ristow and Sam Terrell officiating. Burial will follow at Amity Cemetery in Goodwine, IL.
Memorials may be made to the family c/o Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942. They will be establishing a scholarship fund for youths to become an educator.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Tommy’s eternal tribute page and to send condolences to the family.
Anderson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
