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Terry McMillan Obituary

MCMILLAN, TERRY LEE - age 53 of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, passed away Friday, February 2, 2007. He was born October 12, 1953 in Lexington, North Carolina. One of country music's most sought after session musicians, Terry had a distinctive bluesy style, was a phenomenal harmonica player and talented drummer. He began his professional career in 1973 with a touring band. After disbanding he got a job in Eddy Raven's band until 1975 when Chet Atkins hired him to play harmonica. He stopped touring in 1976 and concentrated more on session work. In the 1980's, Terry made solo recordings for RCA but soon returned to session work. He played on countless recordings with artists such as Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Neil Young and many others. In 1993, as a member of the band that played at President Clinton's inaugural ball, he made a great impression with his harmonica version of "Amazing Grace." Preceded in death by mother, Jacklyn McMillan and grandmother, Omter Jorden. Survivors: wife: Debbie Carver McMillan; children: Sara Lane Harrelson, Adam Taylor McMillan, Lucas Andrew McMillan; grandchildren: Nicholas Tyler Miller and Charlie Evelyn Harrelson; father: Bob McMillan; brother: Cameron McMillan; step-daughter: Tonya Hanson; step-grandchildren: Coltin Ty Huskey, Bryson and Dylan Hanson. Funeral service 11 AM Wednesday in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Darrel McClaren officiating. Interment will follow in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 4-8 PM Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, Tennessee. www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel on Feb. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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Christy(Flossy) Chapman

February 7, 2007

He was the great improvisor. He could make a tune with ANYTHING! We were in Chet's basement studio (1980ish) - Chet was looking for a particular sound for a song and I remember Terry doing some "hand drumming" on a table, and lo and behold ~ That was the sound he needed ~

God Love Him - he was pure "MAGIC".
He is the definition of "ADRENALINE". He will be missed & thought of often.

Tina Rogers-Reeves

February 6, 2007

Sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your loved one. Terry was very talented in many ways. I have been a fan for years.
May God comfort you at your time of sorrow.
I will miss him.

Shelby, George, & Jamie Hough

February 5, 2007

We have cherished our special times with Terry for many years and will always hear his beautiful music and see his warm hearted smile. May God bless and keep his special family and know that he was loved and will never be forgotten.

Steve Gibson

February 5, 2007

Rest in peace, Terry.

Tandy Warwick

February 4, 2007

I met Terry many years ago at Chet Atkins' office and would see him around Music Row, recording sessions and Nashville. I grew up in Corryton near Luttrell where Chet grew up and was always glad to see a familiar face in Nashville. Terry was a wonderful Christian person who had a heart of gold, and he was always a joy to be around. The Lord Blessed him with great talent, and he will be sorely missed, but always remembered.

The McMilllan Family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless all of you and may He bring each of you Peace and Comfort during this sad and difficult time.

God Bless you, Terry. I'll always remember you.

Peter Huttlinger

February 4, 2007

I didn't know Terry but I wish I had. He was an extremely talented man. I'd seen him play many times and it was always enjoyable. He will certainly be missed by many.

Chris & Pamela Scott

February 4, 2007

Now the Angels have a great harmonica player in the band. God Bless, Play On, Play On.

CHAD FORTENBERRY

February 4, 2007

I CAN STILL hear him playing his harmonica, now and for your lord rock on

John and Juanita Hale

February 4, 2007

Terry you will be missed.Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.John and Juanita

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