Michael Eugene Millsaps

Michael Eugene Millsaps, age 71, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike had an adventurous spirit and a lifelong passion for racing. He began his journey on motocross bikes before progressing to racing cars, he started by attending the Buck Baker driving school and catching the attention of Buck Backer by being at the top of his class. While sharing countless stories of his days on the track… whether at Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta Motor Speedway, or other famed racing circuits. His love of motorsports fueled a successful career building and repairing a variety of machines and engines, from motorcycles and cars to heavy farm equipment and tractors.

For many years, Mike worked alongside the Harrison Family at Sweetwater Valley Farms, where he cherished the camaraderie of friends and maintained his deep-rooted connection to farming…an industry he had grown up in and loved dearly. Throughout his life, he found joy in the simple pleasures of home and the land he called his own.

Mike was also known for his tenderness towards animals, especially cats and dogs. He had a daily ritual of feeding raccoons that frequented his property, often watching with a smile as they ate at his window.

A member of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia for over 50 years, Mike's faith and community played an important role in his life. His sense of humor, playful pranks, and stories of great moments made him a beloved presence among family and friends…a true jokester with a warm heart.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Carra Eugene Millsaps. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tonya Abels Millsaps; his son, Corey Millsaps; his daughter, Alyssa Millsaps; Bruce and Kimberly Nelson, Stephanie and Michael Weaver; his grandchildren, Gavin Millsaps, Kendall Millsaps, Sabrina Nelson, Camron Weaver, Cade Weaver, and Adeline Grace Burrell; his mother, Mary Nelle Millsaps; and his brother, Steven E. Millsaps.

Services to honor and remember Mike will be held at 7 PM Wednesday, September 18th in the McGill Click Chapel with Rev. Brian Courtney officiating. The interment will be 11 AM Thursday in the Roberson Cemetery with John Harrison, Billy Bob Barr, David "Butch" Ferguson, Derald Wright, Aaron Dills, Ted Randolph, Jimmy White, and Arturo Lopez serving as Pallbearers. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers, Jeff Millsaps, Tommy Simpson, Kenny Abels, Charles Harrell and Mike Orr. Contributions in memory of Mike may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to www.stjude.org The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Wednesday, prior to the service at McGill Click Funerals & Cremations, 1366 Highway 72 N, Loudon.

McGill Click is honored to serve the Millsaps family. Condolences may be left at www.mcgillclick.com.