George James MacMillan III

MacMillan, III, George James (Skip)

March 2, 1933 - February 23, 2022

George James (Skip) MacMillan, III was born on March 2, 1933 in Raleigh, North Carolina to George James MacMillan, Jr. and Ina Davis MacMillan. He grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1951 and from the University of North Carolina in 1955, with a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, he married the late Virginia Hope Kime of Raleigh.

In 1978, Skip married Sylvia Copley (Sunshine) Dawson. He is survived by three children, George MacMillan of Boone, NC, Hope MacMillan Baker of Decatur, GA and Paul Kime MacMillan (Beth) of Fallston, MD; three step-children, William Sydney Dawson (Heidi) of Cary, John Stuart Dawson (Cindy) of Raleigh and Mary Dawson Guin (Mike) of Wilmington. Together, Skip and Sunshine have 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

After receiving his degree from UNC, he was commissioned in the US Air Force and was trained and served as a pilot until being discharged in late 1958. He returned to North Carolina and started a career that led to working over a 22-year period as an industrial engineer, general manager, merchandiser and owner for a number of apparel manufacturing facilities in Eastern North Carolina. In 1980, he incorporated MacMillan and Associates, a manufacturing systems and organization development consulting firm. Over the next 35 years, he worked with a number of clients in North Carolina and New York, traveling extensively to the Far East, Central America and Europe.

Volunteering and extra-curricular activities were always a big part of Skip's life, from high school student body president to civic activities. During a one-year stint in New York City, he became acutely aware of the plight of people experiencing homelessness. After moving to Greensboro, he volunteered at the Greensboro Urban Ministry night shelter and later served on the GUM Board of Directors, chairing the board for 3 years. In 2007, he volunteered with a group that was looking at a 10-year program to end homelessness in Guilford County. That led to the establishment of the Interactive Resource Center (IRC), a day resource center for those experiencing homelessness. He was a Founding Director of the IRC, Treasurer, Board Chair and, subsequently, was actively involved in the support of that organization over a period of years. After moving to Well-Spring Retirement Community, he continued his active support of the IRC and the Simple Gesture food program. A member of First Lutheran Church, he sang in the Chancel Choir, Chaired the Worship Committee and served on the Church Council and several other committees.

A celebration of life service for Skip and Sunshine will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, 3600 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, with Rev. Jay Hilbinger officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Interactive Resource Center, 407 East Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, First Lutheran Church, 3600 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410 or to Well-Spring Retirement Community, 4100 Well Spring Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the MacMillan family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.