Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
ULMER - John Lee McMillan, age 63, passed away on July 8, 2026, after an extended illness. He is now at peace, free from pain, and held in God’s mercy and love.
He was born on July 11, 1962 to the late Robert Hampton McMillan Sr. and Elizabeth Mae Thompson McMillan. John was also predeceased by a cherished nephew, Chuck Peurifoy. He is survived by three siblings, Robbie McMillan (Jami), Mary Beth Peurifoy (Charles), Kathy Norris, (Tom); and a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives who remember his tenderness.
John had a wonderful childhood on the family farm in Ulmer. He enjoyed playing baseball in the Allendale community. His fondest memories were from visits to his maternal grandparents’ mountain home in Viewtown, Virginia. He loved the old country store with penny candy, country ham, the bottled Coke in grandpa’s refrigerator and fishing in their two ponds and the river Thornton.
Somewhat shy, he thrived in high school, graduating valedictorian and Most Likely to Succeed. He was awarded a scholarship to Wofford College. He attended there for a year then decided to obtain a respiratory therapy degree from Orangeburg Tech. He moved to Beaufort, S.C. where he was employed at the hospital from 1987-1989. He bought a boat and liked to joyride and fish.
Life took a hard turn in his early 20’s, with the onset of schizophrenia. John’s earthly journey was not an easy one, and those who loved him best, understood the burdens and pain he carried. Along with the physical diseases of diabetes and this past year liver cancer, he lived most of his life with this difficult mental affliction. However, John remained a kind man, known for speaking his mind plainly, and living with sincerity of heart. We grieve not his passing from this life, as much as the trials and hardships he endured within it. It would not honor his memory to pretend otherwise. At home he was loved by persevering parents who committed their lives to caring for him. Last year John lost his mom and two weeks ago, his dad. He longed for the day they would all be together again. God answered that prayer.
John had hobbies he enjoyed while feeling safer at home. He loved 1960’s to 1970’s music, particularly The Beatles. He was proud of his vegetable garden for many summers. He liked making models of WW2 airplanes, creating things out of wood to bestow to his family and decorating his room with Civil War items with quiet satisfaction. He drove his vintage Park Avenue to town to get groceries to cook for his elderly parents. One of the things on his bucket list was “to go back to the coast and fish in September when the fish are really biting”. So cast your net and your line and think of him with a smile. Simple things made him more content.
We give thanks that his suffering ended and trust in Jesus’ promise that he rests in His everlasting arms. On his 64th birthday in Heaven he is born again, renewed in spirit. It is our Heavenly Father’s gift to him and us to “wipe away all tears”.
Our gratitude to Cierra Smith, RN of Amedisys Hospice and their wonderful chaplain Tony Christie, Shannon Buckmon and Jenna Still, caregivers, and Jim Myrick, a dear friend, who brightened John’s last days. All lifted him to moments of peace and love.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Greater Saltkehatchie Church Cemetery, P.O. Box 8, Ulmer, S.C. 29849.
Keith Smith Funeral Service of Allendale is assisting the family with arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.keithsmithfuneralservice.com.
