Mr. David McMillan

David McMillan, affectionally known as "Mac," the firstborn of eight siblings, was born in Supply, North Carolina to the late Jacob "Jake" McMillan and Aleatha McMillan.

David was formally educated in the Brunswick County Public Schools and was a lifelong member of Big Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in his hometown.

In his early years, David worked as a laborer at a sawmill and on a fishboat. He later worked at the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company, historically referred to as Wilmington Shipyard. In 1951, David relocated to the Tidewater area, now known as Hampton Roads, and began working at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia, now part of Huntington Ingalls Industries. There, he worked in the Shipfitters Department, also known as X11, contributing his skilled hands to the construction of ships that served our nation. David proudly dedicated 43 years of service to Newport News Shipbuilding before retiring as a Master Shipbuilder.

In 1957, David married the love of his life, the late Ruby McMillan. They shared 66 years of marriage and were blessed with six children.

David found joy in life's simple but meaningful routines. He loved tending to his vegetable garden and was well known throughout the area for generously sharing his delicious fresh vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors. He also took great pride in caring for his vehicles, meticulously cleaning, shining, and waxing them, and in keeping his yard in pristine condition.

A devoted family man, David always dreamed of having a large family and took immense pride in being the father of six children, the grandfather of nine grandchildren, and the great-grandfather of seven great-grandchildren. He cherished time spent with his family and was always happy to babysit, offering his presence, patience, and love without hesitation.

David was known for his strong work ethic and was often praised for going above and beyond for those he loved. Providing for his family was deeply important to him, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He met people exactly where they were, treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect-qualities that reflected his caring and generous spirit.

Above all, David loved the Lord. In his later days, he found comfort and peace in worship, often singing and humming hymns as an expression of his enduring faith.

His life stands as a testament to faith in God, devotion to family, and pride in honest work.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings: William "Bill" McMillan, Joseph McMillan (Hazel), James McMillan (Victoria) and Nathaniel "Nathan" McMillan (Curtie Mae); sister Jerolene McMillan; brothers-in-law Cortis Smith Jr., Elery Mitchell, MSG Elbert Cox, Louie "Pete" Cox and Charles Cox; and sister-in-law Eartha Cox-Randolph.

David's life and legacy will forever be cherished by his children: Rodney (Michael) McMillan (Patricia), Debra Lunsford, Andra McMillan (Dollie), Monica Booker (Carl), Leatha Spradley (Raymond) and Sharee McMillan; grandchildren Erica Warden, Lavon Lunsford, Renonda McMillan, Jessika Johnson (Derek), Jahmael McMillan, Kimiko Booker, Parris McMillan, Jhmari McMillan and Sha'Moni McMillan; great-grandchildren Jayden Johnson, Karter Dicks, Cameryn Lunsford, Maison McMillan, Khloe Dicks, Jayla Johnson and Journee Lane-Williams; sisters Johnsie Mitchell and Eva Smith; brothers-in-law Anthony Cox (Louvenia), sisters-in-law Mary McMillan, Frances Richmond (Hayward), Joyce Cox, Beverly Coleman (Paul), Patsy Cox and Gloria Cox; a host of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

It is the desire of the McMillan family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mr. David McMillan has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.