Obituary of Jerry Allen McMillan

Jerry Allen McMillan, longtime resident and pillar of the Gallatin community, passed away Friday, July 22, 2016 in a tragic farming accident. Born March 21, 1952 in Kingfisher, OK, Dr. McMillan devoted his life to his family, his community, and his profession. As a beloved son, husband, brother, dad, and grandfather (aka “Pots”), Jerry’s legacy is cemented as one of the most well-respected and honorable men we’ll ever know. As a devoted veterinarian and pillar of the Gallatin community, Jerry’s vast reach of influence helped guide many in their darkest hours as well as their moments of great triumphs. Outside of his veterinary practice, Dr. McMillan loved spending time with his family and working on his farm. His family and especially his grandchildren meant the world to him, as his face clearly lit up the second he laid eyes on any of them. Jerry moved to Franklin, KY at the age of 2, and spent his formative years helping his father on the McMillan family farm. He graduated from Franklin Simpson High School in 1970 and attended MTSU for 3 years where he met his future wife and best friend, Linda Matocha McMillan. They were married September 7, 1974 and remained happily so for the rest of his days. He graduated from Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. Dr. McMillan practiced veterinary medicine in Gallatin, TN for 39 years. In 2006, Dr. McMillan was honored as Practitioner of the Year by the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Examiners for excellence in his field. Dr. McMillan was an active member of the Gallatin Lions Club for 35 years, including stints as President and Treasurer. He attended Gallatin First United Methodist Church for 38 years. He is survived and dearly missed by his mother Willadean Rice McMillan Kirsch, his wife Linda Matocha McMillan, and his siblings John I. McMillan III, Larry D. McMillan, and Cindy McMillan Gregory, He is also survived and deeply missed by his children Frank B. McMillan (Leigh), Shannon M. Jackson (Austin), Walker C. McMillan (Brittney), and Lindsay A. McMillan, as well as his grandchildren Hadley Grace and John Walker Jackson, Laney Reed and Eliza Jamison McMillan, Emery Ann McMillan, and Sawyer Dean McMillan. Dr. McMillan loved and was loved unendingly by all of the above. Dr. McMillan was preceded in death by his father, John I. McMillan, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Gallatin Lions Club and/or the Gallatin FUMC. Memorial Service will be 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 26th at Gallatin First United Methodist Church with Rev. James C. Johnson, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be Monday, July 25th from 12:00-8:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home and Tuesday, July 26th from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Online condolences may be submitted at alexanderfh.info