Donald & Cathy McMillian

This week we celebrate the life and death of Donald and Cathy McMillian who left this world on Friday, December 9, 2011. Donald and Cathy had been married for 35 years and had two children, Glenn Donald and Chasity. They resided on Wards Gap Road in Cana, VA, for several years. They had previously lived on Brunswick Road in Cana. Donald was born on September 18th, 1955, in Winston, Salem, NC. Cathy was born on November 30th, 1958, in Surry County, NC. Donald and Cathy loved one another and they loved life. Donald (Porky) worked for a number of years for North Carolina Granite in the carpenter shop. More recently he had been self-employed maintaining the family orchard. Donald had a green thumb and was introducing unique varieties of apples. Donald was an accomplished carpenter that enjoyed working with all types of wood projects. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming and all outdoor activities. Donald was an expert on local plants and wildlife. He was the friend and neighbor that everyone called upon for any type of need and he always had time to help, often under bad conditions with little or no pay. Cathy worked for Wal-Mart in Mt. Airy for many years. In recent years she was a homemaker, devoted wife and loving Grandma. Cathy loved her children more than anything and they remained the center of her life. Cathy loved people and she enjoyed visiting and talking with family and friends. Cathy graduated from Carroll County High School and had attended Wytheville Community College. Donald is survived by his children, Glenn Donald McMillian, his wife, Becky, and granddaughter Breanna, of the home and Chasity McMillian and Robert Peak, of Cana, Va. Donald is also survived by his father Glenn McMillian and brother Glenn Calvin "Mac" McMillian of Cana, sister Gaye and her husband Denny Nichols, of Hillsville, Virginia, and Pam and Bill Hartgrove of Kingsport, Tennessee and brother-in-law Gary Haynes, of Cana. Nieces and nephews are Denny (Bunkie) Nichols, Steven and wife Erica Nichols of Hillsville, Virginia; G.L. and wife Candace Haynes of Cana, Virginia, and Misty and her husband Marty Easter of Ararat, Virginia; and David Hartgrove of Kingsport, TN. He was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Cassell and Laurie McMillian and Harvey and Rausie Haynes all of Cana; his mother, Maybelline McMillian and his beloved sister Linda Haynes, all of Cana. Cathy's other survivors include her sister, Shirley and brother-in-law Bobbie King of East Spencer, NC, and brothers Gary and sister-in-law Joan Crotts, of Mt. Airy, NC., and Kenneth and wife Beulah Hawks, of Cana, VA, also, sister-in law, Betty Paul Hawks, of Winston Salem, N.C, nieces and nephews, Shaun and Merle King of East Spencer, NC., and Michael King, of Cana, VA, Chris and spouse Jennifer Laws and Kenny Laws, all of Mt. Airy, NC; Ricky Hawks, Rhonda and husband Matthew McMillian, all of Cana, Va; and Candy Alibaster, of Winston Salem, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Ila Crotts, of Cana, VA, and her brother, Stanley Hawks of Winston Salem, NC. They were also loved by many aunts, uncles, and several great nieces and nephews. Donald and Cathy were blessed to be surrounded by a huge circle of friends. The family asks that you join us for a memorial service this Thursday, December 15th, at Moody Funeral Home of Mt. Airy. Visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m., followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Oscar Hill, of Cana, VA. An expression of flowers would be deeply appreciated by the family or a donation may be made directly to Moody's in name of the family. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank all their friends and family for the many generous acts of kindness during this difficult time. Donald and Cathy were two very special people and will be sorely missed. We wish them peace, happiness and eternal rest. The family looks forward to seeing everyone on Thursday evening. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.