Cecil McMillion

Cecil McMillion received his gift of heaven on May 17, 2010 at the Howard and Joan Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was born to James Lawrence and Nancy Arlene Kemp on August 27, 1922, and grew up in Patrick County, Virginia. He was preceded in death by a son, Cecil M. McMillion; his wife of fifty years, Annie Laura Mills McMillion; three sisters, Mae Simpson, Goldie Terrell, and Ruth Gammons; and five brothers, Carl, Edgar, Harry, Raymond, and Earl McMillion.

Mr. McMillion was retired from Surry County Schools as the shop foreman of the transportation department where he was proud to see that all Surry County School children were transported safely to and from school. He was a loved member of Dobson First Baptist Church. Mr. McMillion was a loyal member of the Dobson Lions Club where he cherished his role as Tail Twister for forty years and where he was the recipient of the William L. Woolard Award. He was a member of the Copeland Masonic Lodge # 390 and a 32nd Degree Mason and a member the Oasis Temple. Cecil was also a loyal charter member of the Order of The Eastern Star of Copeland where he served his chapter as Worthy Patron for four terms.

Until his illness he enjoyed rounds of golf at Mount Airy Country Club while sharing his famous bon-bons and fruit. Santa Claus or "the candy man" is how many citizens of Surry County best remember Mr. McMillion. He was never without gifts of candy, fruit or smiles and his hearty "Ho-ho-ho" on Christmas Eve as he made his rounds spreading joy.

Mr. McMillion is survived by his wife, Bessie Marshall McMillion of the home; one daughter, Becky Payne and husband Troy of Mount Airy; two grandchildren, Courtney Payne of Charlotte and Tyler Payne of Mount Airy;
one brother, Gaither and Laura McMillion of Galax, Virginia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived of five step children, Harry Marshall of Mount Airy, Sandy Marshall of Wilmington, Ann Marshall Smith and Frank of Gulf Port, Mississippi, Jean Marshall Beamer and Jerry of Lexington, and John and Rebecca Marshall of Hickory. Mr. McMillion is also survived by nine step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Thursday, May 20, 2010, at the First Baptist Church in Dobson. Burial will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens in Mount Airy with Masonic Graveside Rites by the Copeland Masonic Lodge #390. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall at the Dobson First Baptist Church on Thursday from 1:00 PM until time of his service at 3:00 PM.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Flannery Heath, Mike Fields and all the loving staff from the Woltz Hospice Home.

Memorials may be made to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Thursday May 20, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Dobson, burial will follow in Skyline Memorial Gardens in Mt. Airy with Masonic Graveside Rites by the Copeland Masonic Lodge #390. The Family will receive friends at the Dobson First Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until time of his service at 3:00 P.M.