B.J. McMillan

B.J. McMillan, born in Wilmington, NC, on July 26, 1974, passed away in his hometown on October 17, 2025. B.J. was the kind of man who believed in hard work, big dreams, and horsepower.

A volunteer firefighter in Starr, SC in his earlier years, B.J. knew what it meant to serve his community. Later, in a bold leap of faith, he and his father Rick started their own repossession business in Georgia with nothing more than one truck, a tow dolly, and a whole lot of grit. Before long, that single truck turned into a full fleet - a testament to their determination and "work smarter, not harder" philosophy (though B.J. somehow managed to do both).

When he wasn't working, you could find B.J. at the ball field. Coaching his kids through T-ball and beyond became one of his greatest joys. As Vice President of West Macon Little League, he made sure baseball wasn't just a sport, but a family way of life. (He turned down the President's role because that would mean giving up coaching - and that was not negotiable.)

True to his nickname, "Hot Rod," B.J. had a lifelong need for speed. Whether it was his custom-built 2002 motorcycle, his dad's Nova on the drag strip, or any other motorized toy that happened to be around, B.J. loved the hum of an engine and the thrill of the ride. He spent countless bike weeks at Sturgis and Myrtle Beach, where burnout competitions were less of a challenge and more of a calling.

Though a man of few words - he often said, "I'll talk when I have something to say" - when B.J. did speak, people listened. He was a jack of all trades, a quiet problem-solver, and even a gamer when the day was done.

B.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Rick and Jacqueline McMillan; uncles Christopher Porter and Tony R. Porter; and aunt Faye Westbrook. He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Nicole McMillan; his cherished children, Brett James McMillan, Braydon Jay McMillan, Brenton Joe McMillan, Derek Bryan Jones III., Amber Nicole McMillan, Cierra Heald and Carson Brown; his sister, Tonia J. Causey; grandchildren, Boston Marley McMillan and Alice Michaud; uncles Robert Wayne Porter and Phil Porter; aunts Susan Porter and Margaret Porter; and many more extended family members and friends who loved him deeply and will miss him even more.

There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation toward B.J.'s funeral expenses by clicking HERE. His family never imagined saying goodbye this soon, and any contribution - big or small - will help honor his life and legacy.

Please leave memories and condolences for B.J.'s family under Share a Memory.

Care entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation - Wilmington Chapel - 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099