Col. Harry C. McMillin, USAFE (Ret.), passed away in Jackson, Miss. at University Medical Center Sunday, September 22. Born in Jackson in January 1944, he was 80 at the time of his death.

McMillin attended Murrah High School in Jackson and then received a BS and MBA from Mississippi State University. He entered active duty in the Air Force in 1967 as a second lieutenant and served for 27 years, retiring in the grade of colonel. While on active duty, he was a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, the Air War College and the Senior Officials in National Security at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He had multiple assignments in the United States and overseas assignments in Iran and Germany. He served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM.

After retirement from the Air Force, McMillin had a second career as the executive director and later president/CEO of Air Force Village, a large retirement community in San Antonio for retired military officers and their dependents, consisting of independent living apartments and homes, two assisted living facilities and two nursing homes. He retired in 2006 and moved to Vicksburg to be close to grandchildren. They were the delight of his life, and he treasured those years seeing them grow up.

McMillin’s passion was the American Civil War and the Battle of Vicksburg. He became an expert in the latter, serving as a licensed park guide in the Vicksburg National Military Park. Over a span of 18 years, he gave almost 2,000 tours. He was also the impetus for starting the Friends of Vicksburg National Park and campaign, serving as its first executive director. He was a faithful and active member of Crawford Street United Methodist Church, singing in the church choir. He formerly served as president of the Vicksburg Food Pantry.

Col. McMillin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy; his cherished son, Michael and wife, Sarah; and two grandchildren, Jeff and Davis. Additionally, he is survived by three nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, C.E. and Vera McMillin of Jackson; his older brother, Mike; and his beloved daughter, Amy Elizabeth, who died at age 11.

The visitation and memorial service will be held at Crawford Street United Methodist Church Friday, Sept. 27. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Fleming, Herb Wilkinson, Mack Varner, Johnny Sanders, Hugh Green, Cary Grantham, John Shinglar, Myra Logue and David Maggio, as well as the men in the Friendship Sunday School class, Richard Cowart, Lewis Decell, Clyde Sartor, John Boa and Mark Dortch.

Memorials may be made to the music department of Crawford Street United Methodist Church, Vicksburg, Miss.