Joe Roy McMillian, Sr. was a life-long resident of Panola County. Born on March 6, 1941, Joe Roy was the third oldest sibling of twelve children. On August 6, 2020, the patriarch transitioned from time to eternity. A life of 80 years is a blessing not granted to many! His life was full and rich with love from family and friends. Joe Roy confessed Christ at an early age and joined the Carthage Church of God in Christ. He moved forward in faith along the way, pointed out by God. Doubtless his heirs are strengthened in their bereavement by their realization that they stand in the special favor of God and will not have to carry on alone. During happy times and dark hours, Joe Roy was a steady prop for our faith and a source of strength. Brother Joe Roy was a spiritual man, and later united with the First Assembly of God in Christ Church in 2014.
The story of Joe Roy McMillian, Sr. is one of a life well-lived. Joe Roy was a hard and honest working man employed at the Malt Shop in 1961, the Henderson Clay and Brick Company and LeTourneau, Inc. He worked hard for his family. After retiring from Alcoa Aluminum Company of America, Joe Roy re-employed with Tyson Foods, Inc. and retired a final time on September 6, 2013.
He married his high school sweetheart on June 6, 1960, the summer before his Senior year. Bonnie Sue chose Joe Roy McMillian, a man who would love, honor and respect her for over 60 years and whose love she likewise returned. Two peas in a loving pod for a lifetime. He dearly loved his family and was such a loving, caring, devoted Granddaddy to Michael (Morin), Zachary and Mikaela and great-granddaughter Malia. Joe Roy had just the right touch of vanity. He was a sharp, meticulous dresser. Bonnie Sue played a big part: his handkerchief and shirt were ironed to perfection.
Joe Roy McMillian, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Jernigan and Otis McMillian; son Joe Roy McMillian Jr. five brothers Jimmy Jernigan, David Adams, Robert Sampson, Billy Jernigan and James McMillian; five sisters, Margie Kizzine, Mary Ellen Jernigan, Gloria Jean Jernigan, Mary Elizabeth McMillian and Neller Faye Booker.
Those who will remain to cherish Joe Roy’s memories include: a loving, devoted wife, Bonnie Sue McMillian of Carthage, Texas; one son, Audray (Lisa) McMillian of Missouri City, Texas; one daughter, Beverly McMillian-McDaniel of Stafford, Texas; one step-mother, Viola Kate McMillian (Gran Gran Kate) of Nashville, Tennessee; one sister, Daisy Louise Jernigan of Palm Springs, California; three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a host of in-laws, nieces, great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.
A private funeral service will be held under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home with Bishop Hubert Owens officiating. Interment will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. The body will lie in-state from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel.
Active pallbearers are Michael McMillian, Zachary McMillian, John McMillian, Matthew Raines, Robert Walton, Jr., and Corey Booker. Honorary pallbearers are Audray McMillian, Taft Allison, Jimmy R. Raines II, Ralph Hicks, and Christopher Raines.
A guestbook may be signed at www.jrobinsonsonsmortuary.com or www.jimerson-lipsey.com.
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