Arthur Johnson "Donny Donny" McMillian III

Arthur Johnson "Donny" McMillian, III, was born March 27, 1936, to Arthur J. McMillian, II, and Isla Griffith in Pensacola, Florida.

He was described as a happy spirit. He grew up on X Street in Brownsville. He was the oldest of four children. Pensacola was a much simpler place in the 30s 40s and 50s. There were only three car dealerships, no sewer plant, no government buildings, no shopping malls, and no interstate. People would shop downtown at the five and dime stores and often ran into friends while shopping.

Don went through school and graduated from Pensacola High School.

Don's most memorable occupations were: the Marine Corps, where he used to say "once a Marine, always a Marine"; lifeguarding at Pensacola Beach, where he saved over 100 people; working as a CPA, where he got his certification while raising five children with his wife Rae; working for Escambia County Sheriff's Department, where he became Chief Deputy; and volunteering at Escambia Search & Rescue.

He met and married the love of his life, Rae Georgia, on September 2nd, 1958. Rae had one child named Pat before she married Don. After they were married, Don loved Pat so much that he adopted him and gave him his name as Arthur Johnson McMillian, IV. Together they went on to have four more children: Mike, Radonna, Andy, and Doug. Don loved being a dad. He loved showing his kids new places and watching them experience new things. Simple things like the first time his children got a kite in the air filled him with joy.

He was a quiet gentle man who love his family and loved people. The family experienced several extended family vacations. After the children grew up, Don and Rae sold their home and bought a camper and continued to travel. They went to Washington, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas and all the states in between. The traveling stopped with Don's heart attack and his macular degeneration. Don and Rae settled back in Pensacola. As Rae's health declined, Don stood fiercely by her side. She was able to stay in her home until she passed away minutes after Don had kissed her goodnight and left the room. In 2025, Don's health declined. He, too, was able to stay in his home until he passed away the morning of August 20.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rae McMillian; father, Arthur J. McMillian, II; mother, Isla (Griffith) McMillian; sisters, Sharon Ingraham and Suzie Heath; brother, Darrel McMillian; and grandson, Arthur J. McMillian, V.

He is survived by his children, Arthur J. "Pat" McMillian, IV, Michael Arthur McMillian, Radonna Marie McMillian, Andrew Don McMillian and Douglas John (Susie) McMillian; grandchildren: Patrick McMillian, Leslie McMillian, Elaina McMillian, Zachery McMillian, Melisha (EJ) Martin, Dianne (Josh) Deutsch, Donnie (Rebecca) Wallis, Andrea (Derek) Overby, Cody McMillian, Haley McMillian, Shelby (Jealastic) McMillian, PJ Douglas, Noah McMillian, McKenzie McMillian, John Smith, and Benji McMillian; and many many more great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Don and Rae led an exemplary life, and I have no doubt they are together hand in hand strolling down heaven's beach