Joel Mcmillon

On August 2, 1932, Joel McMillon was born to Mr. Grant & Mrs. Lillie Johnson-McMillon, in the City of Benoit, located in Bolivar County, Mississippi. On December 8, 2017, at 12:18 p.m., surrounded by family, at the age of 85 years, Mr. Joel McMillon went home to be with the Lord.

At a very young age, Joel worked with his father and older brothers as share-croppers. As a young child, Joel had a natural thirst for learning and a desire to achieve. Although he wanted to attend school more often, he could only attend between Seed Time and Harvest. He often said, “Had I been afforded the educational opportunities denied me growing up in Jim Crow South - I could have been anything.”

In Bolivar County as a young boy, Joel attended Beau Pilgrim Baptist Church School and Galilee Baptist Church School. Both were one room church schools for all ages. Later, he attended Coleman High School in Greenville, Mississippi, before relocating to Saginaw, Michigan at age 16, where he briefly attended Saginaw High School. Joel left the South to avoid being placed “again, on a Chain Gang.” He, like so many others before him was part of the Great Migration. He left the South – in the words of poet Richard Wright, “looking for the Warmth of other Suns – to transplant his life in the alien soil of the North, where his hopes, and dreams might grow differently, and perhaps bloom.”

On October 25, 1952 - Joel married the love of his life, Earlease Doris Ponder, of Saginaw Michigan, who made for him a loving home and life, filled with lasting, cherished memories. For sixty-five years he was a devoted husband, father and friend. To their union were born two daughters and one son, to carry on his legacy: Patricia Ann McMillon-Hampton (Randall), Dinah Lynn McMillon-Coleman (Lloyd), and Vincent Duane McMillon (Gwendolyn).

Joel enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, faithfully served his country during the Korean War, and subsequently served as an active reservist for nearly 30 years at the 5089th U.S. Army Reception Battalion 70th Division. Joel retired from his military career in 1992 with 39.5 years of dedicated service. During the latter part of his military career Joel applied for, and was accepted into the United States Sergeant Major Academy in El Paso, TX. After graduating he achieved the rank of E9, Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank of a non-commissioned officer. As Joel moved through the military ranks he fathered, mentored, and groomed many others for military success. Joel was a man of discipline and order who never let the social ills of his past spoil his compassion for all humanity and his desire to see others achieve.

Joel also worked for General Motors at the Malleable Iron Plant in Saginaw, and was a life member of the Local UAW 455. He was hired in September 1952, and retired January 1, 1979. He was credited with 31.5 years of service. Additionally, during this time, he worked part-time at Montgomery Ward Department Store. After his retirement from General Motors, Joel worked as a school bus driver for Saginaw Township Public Schools for 17 years, where he made a difference in the lives of many students and parents.

Joel loved to roller skate. He volunteered his time as a floor referee at the Brockway Roller Skating Rink where he skated until the age of 84 years. True to his roots, Joel also loved to cook. He could skin, clean, and cook anything. His homemade rub, head cheese, and mo-jo sauce have been enjoyed and savored by many. Grandpa McMillon always enjoyed gardening with the children of St. Paul MBC and with his brother beloved, Clinton McMillon Sr. He had a keen sense of humor, charming personality, and was a distinguished, stylish dresser who never met a stranger.

Joel confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. Under the servant-leadership of his son, Rev. Dr. Vincent D. McMillon, he rededicated his life and joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 - and was baptized Sunday, May 7, 2017. He loved Sunday morning worship, and especially enjoyed Wednesday night Bible Study with his church family. He became a tither and a good steward over his increase.

Joel leaves behind a lasting legacy. His memory will be especially cherished by: his wife, children, nine grandsons: Tyriq Smith, Vincent D. II McMillon, and Brian Joel McMillon all of Atlanta, Georgia., Jamal Smith, Kyle Hampton, and Teryn Miles all of Saginaw; Morgan G. McMillon of Ypsilanti, David B. McMillon of Chicago, IL., and Joshua A. McMillon of Pontiac; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Vera McMillon, and Clairee Sanders both of Saginaw; and Dortha McMillon of Grand Rapids, Michigan; three brothers: Clinton McMillon Sr., of Saginaw, Roosevelt McMillon of Bartlett, Tenn., and John Charles McMillon (J.C.) of Kalamazoo; along with many special nieces and nephews.

Joel was preceded in death by his father, Grant McMillon, Sr., mother, Lillie Johnson-McMillon; eight brothers: Wilbert, Grant Jr., Willie Sr., Charles Sr., James Sr. (Precious), T.J., Gillard, and Baby Boy McMillon; two sisters: Catherine, and Jeralean; and one grandson – Cordney Allen Stephens.

The family of Joel McMillon would like to send a special thanks to the 7th Floor medical staff of Covenant HealthCare-Harrison for their exceptional care, to our St. Paul Church Family for their love and support, and to Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel for their professional care and guidance.