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BORN
1921
DIED
2009
Warren McMillan Obituary
Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday in The Drawing Room of Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. The Rev. Max Brennan will officiate. Interment: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated by St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 2414 Hitson Lane, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
Fort Worth native, Warren McMillan often referred to himself as Fort Worth's "grandfather of tennis." Warren introduced over 400 people to the sport he loved. Like a proud grandfather, he was especially pleased when some of his former students could beat him regularly.
Warren served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. For 23 years, Warren was the head tennis pro at River Crest Country Club.
Warren kept record of his matches throughout his life and delighted in repeating scores to everyone, both wins and losses. He claimed that the biggest win of his life was when he partnered with Ken Crawford to defeat Sammy Giammalva and Butch Buckholtz, who were ranked second and fifth in the world at the time. His many achievements included winning the boys' singles and doubles, 18-and-under title for Fort Worth-Dallas and continued as he won the USPTA single and doubles championship for men's 55 years and older in 1975 and repeated the doubles win in 1976. His state ranking continued into his 80s. Until recently, Warren was a regular on the court for his weekly match. "I want people, my family and everybody, to play tennis from 9 to 90 if they possibly can," said Warren, who served and volleyed for 78 of his 88 years.
Warren also enjoyed dancing every Friday night with his wife of 62 years, Ruth, at the Starlight Ballroom. Warren and Ruth were lifelong members of St. Matthew United Methodist Church. They also enjoyed years of traveling together to tennis tournaments throughout the United States.
Survivors: Wife, Ruth McMillan; daughters, Nancy Moree and husband, Ken, and Nelia Blanton and husband, Chuck; son, Ken McMillan and wife, Mary; grandchildren, April Fariss and husband, Bruce, Julie Fuller and husband, Greg, Barbara Schweitzer and husband, Thurman, Brandon McMillan, Melissa Sugulas and husband, Dan, and Brittany McMillan; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Warren McMillan
Chuck Maienza
September 11, 2009
Warren's Ten Commandments of Tennis
(as imparted to me by the master around 25 years ago)
Old Testament
1. Get sideways
2. Keep your eye on the ball
3. Follow through
4. Hustle
5. Keep it deep, or sleep in the street
New Testament
6. Practice
7. Patience
8. Concentrate
9. Consistency
10. Character
Thanks for teaching me the fundamentals of tennis and of life!
Peter Rutledge
June 27, 2009
Ruth, There is no way to adequately espress how much Warren meant to me growing up as a youth. I will never forget all the times playing with him, and the futility of trying to return his left-handed serve (which I never figured out). I will never forget his kindness when he took Shannon Cox and myself to watch the WCT final between Laver and Rosewall at Moody Colosseum in Dallas. In short, Warren and Mr. Bartzen represented my upbringing in tennis. Warren influenced countless tennis players over the years, and is truly a Fort Worth fixture in the world of tennis. My prayers are with you and your family, especially Kenny, and Nelia, both of whom I knew very well. Sincerely, Peter Rutledge
SHANNON COX
June 27, 2009
I do not think I have ever met anyone who truly loved the sport of tennis any more than Warren. I owe him very much. He gave me my first part time job at Rivercrest, which was really just an excuse for me to be able to be around tennis & Warren & so many of the wonderful members who were nice enough to play with a very eager but minimally athletically gifted person like myself. Warren taught me the serve and volley and Tut taught me ground strokes and I learned distinct strategies from each. I was so lucky to have the influence of both of these great people on my life. Warren was never too busy to stop and help someone with their game. He will definitely be admitted to Heaven's "Nice Guy" Tennis Hall of Fame, but I hope he realizes he may not get some of those close line calls! Warren you will never be forgotten by any of the avid tennis players who were lucky enough to know you! We owe you so much! May God bless you and all of your family.
Judith Highsmith
June 24, 2009
How could anyone live on the West Side of Fort Worth and not know Warren? My friendship with Nancy began so long ago I'm not sure either of us clearly remember the details and her family was a part of all that. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Judith Warnick Highsmith
Jim Jones
June 22, 2009
Warren was a great spirit and will be missed by all - particularly us incurable tennis enthusiasts. I'll always remember him with a big smile and a friendly word. He was a champion tennis player in college and continued to promote tennis throughout his life. His love for the sport never died. My sympathies go out to his wife, Ruth, and all his family. He was a walking history book on Fort Worth tennis, making a lot of that history himself. When he invited us to play on his private tennis court, it was a fun time. The tennis was fun, but mainly it was Warren. He was a joy to be around. We will miss him. Jim Jones
Leddie Taylor
June 22, 2009
So sorry to hear of Warrens passing. I have fond memories of the McMillians being almost like family to my mother Jewell. Thanks for your friendship and love throught the years and all the tennis talk and demo tupperware.
Leddie Taylor, Carrollton Texas.
Marsha Stovall
June 21, 2009
so many fond memories. I taught myself how to play on our garage door. I played at Colonial with the best. I think my Dad Sharkey an I were original members Fort Tennis Assn.
Thank you kind sir for all that you did for tennis and the world
Jody Gatewood
June 21, 2009
Dear Ruth and Family,
I have such special memories from my childhood about spending time with your family. I will never forget the time I was at your house on Rodeo(I was probably about 5) and a big storm came. I was very afraid of storms then and Warren put me on his lap and held me and comforted me until I wasn't afraid anymore. I truly believe that was the beginning of my not being afraid of storms.
Warren was a very kind and gentle man -one I will always remember with love, affection and sweet memories.
My deepest sympathy, prayers and love to you all.
Jody
Willie Wolff
June 21, 2009
When I was a young tennis player in Fort Worth Warren would cancel his paying tennis lessions many times to play matches with me. I will never forget this show of kindness. He was such an inspiration to me. He never quit trying to teach me how to hit a forehand!! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
George Owen
June 20, 2009
Move over , Mohammad Ali. Warren was THE GREATEST...as a man. We always left his company feeling uplifted. Our sympathy to you, Ruth. You were fortunate to have shared 62 years with Warren. Congratulations Nelia, Kenny and Nancy on your choice of a father. Thanks, Warren, for "carrying" me in those doubles matches.
Ave atque vale.
June 20, 2009
Nelia, I read about your dad this morning and memories started to flow. I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can express what you are feeling. My prayers are with you and your mom.
Joy Fondren Coffee
June 20, 2009
I knew Warren when I was just a teenager and friend of Carole Collard, his niece. I always admired him and remember watching a tennis game where he got leg cramps in both legs. He continued to play and won. I was quite impressed. My deepest sympathy to Ruth. He was dating her when I knew him.
I now live in Minnesota but follow the obits.
Sincerely, Dorothy Bobo Tillery
Randy Crawford
June 20, 2009
Ruth, Nelia and Kenny,
What great memories I have of Warren and tennis in Fort Worth. He was always so encouraging and supportive to me from the time I was 7 years old to the times I saw him later in my career. I know he and my dad had a special bond and were so proud of each other. It was pretty neat that the two local pros could go out and beat some of the "touring pros" without even practicing much. I think their great "chemistry" had a lot to do with that. Although dearly missed, I will remember the beaming smile and always be lifted by thinking of him. We would all be so lucky to live such a full and charmed life as Warren!
Love, Randy Crawford
Jarod Bell
June 20, 2009
I was one of those from 9-90 that Mr. McMillan taught to play tennis! My love and sympathy to you, Mrs. McMillan and to your family.
Love, Jarod
Janice Bacon/Phelps
June 20, 2009
You will be deeply missed.
June 20, 2009
Nelia,I read the article about your Dad this morning in the star telegram. I am so sorry. My prayers are with all of you today.Velma Bolt (no.Richland Hills)
Bobb and Carolyn Nelms
June 20, 2009
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the McMillan's and extended family.
Warren was one of a kind and we will all miss him greatly. We can't get to TX but we'll be with you in our hearts and prayers. May you find comfort in happy memories.
June 20, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss and I send the family my love and sympathy. Ruth, I remember when I sold Tupperware and Warren would take the children to the park over on Berry Street. He was a dear and I know he had a great life.
He was a wonderful and caring man. God bless you all in your time of grief.
Nancy Mitchell Cartwright
Karen Bacon
June 20, 2009
Warren was my friend. He was a good man with a big heart. He and Ruthie always made me feel special, even though I am not. On Sunday at Church they would look back at me on the back row and wave like they really were glad I was there. On Tuesdays we played cards together at St.Matthews. I nearly always played with them. Warren and I were usually partners but Ruthie nearly always beat us. I will miss him dearly and hope they play Spades and Tennis in Heaven as I know he is there holding us all a place in line.
Love to you always, Warren & Ruthie.
Shari Records
June 20, 2009
Nelia , and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad passing away. Nelia, your Dad taught me to play tennis at Rivercrest one summer. MY Dad ,Gene, did not have the great patience ,your Dad had in teaching. MY thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.Shari Records
June 20, 2009
To the good old days of RIVERCREST.....
Thanks to Warren.
Sue Ann Hill
Sharon Moore
June 20, 2009
I came to know your father through the love and devotion you expressed both as a daughter and a proud tennis partner. Your love for him was so obvious. God be with you and your family in your sorrow. My prayers are with you.
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