Stephen Bernard McMillion

Stephen (Steve) B. McMillion, 88, passed away on February 11, 2026, with his loving wife Kathleen by his side—as she always was throughout the life they shared together for over 70 years.

Steve was born on August 6th, 1937, in Summersville, West Virginia.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Jessie McMillion; his older brother Jim McMillion (survived by his wife Betty); his sister Sue McMillion Rapp (Joe), and younger brother Joe McMillion (Mell).  He also had many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Steve was especially honored to be the “Stephen 1” of the “Stephen 1, 2, 3” group and would want to thank his nephew Mark (Stephen 2) for making that possible.

Steve earned his undergraduate degree from Glenville State College and his graduate degree from West Virginia University.  His areas of study were:  English, Physical Education, and Educational Administration.  His first job teaching and coaching in Ripley, West Virginia, established his career as well as a treasured lifelong friendship with Bob Hill and his family.  He continued his coaching career in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and then later at Fort Frye High School in Beverly, Ohio, where he once again collaborated with Bob Hill.  He eventually returned to his hometown of Summersville to finish his career in administration at Nicholas County High School and finally educational support through the state’s Regional Education Service Agency IV.

He was married in 1959 to the love of his life, Kathleen (nee Mullins), and regularly reminded his daughters that doing so was the best thing he had ever done.  He often spoke of the love he had for her family members as well and was grateful to gain them as his extended family throughout his life.

Steve and Kathleen had three children:  Raeleen McMillion (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Rebecca McMillion (Greensboro, North Carolina), and a son Stephen who died at birth.

A man of multiple interests, Steve’s life included joyful appreciation of things like Shakespeare and Andy Griffith; football and art; fishing and theatre; camping and poetry; all bodies of water and all kinds of weather; Gospel music and Broadway scores; fun travel and great food--especially Kathleen’s famous pumpkin pie. 

The family would like to thank local support in the form of great friends and neighbors: Gina and Greg Skeens, Karen King and Brinda Bellio, Meg and Gary Ashby, Rod and Marla Wightman, Jon Hamilton and Kristin Tran, and Bill Anderson.

And for all of the expertise and property maintenance that unfailingly followed Dad’s wishes, we want to thank: Jeremy Freeman, Chad Freeman, Doug Young, Briar Neff, Shannon Breeden, Travis Fields, Matt Drylie, and Scott Ellison.

We thank Nanett Kelly for her instant understanding of our goals and the dedication to see them through.  We love the respectful care shown Dad, the understanding of his humor, and the unflappable positivity; she knew we wanted to make Alice proud.

Thank you to Paul Taylor for his culinary skills and endless generosity but most especially for being the hero we needed at a very specific time. Thanks also to Jose Grey Anthony for the joy.

Thank you to Mountain Lake Pharmacy for constant professionalism and kindness shown to our every request, question, or need.

Thank you to Officer Garret Groves for being a genuinely good-hearted public servant and to all EMT and Fire Squad members whose responses proved to be pivotal in times of need.

Raeleen and Rebecca would also like to thank Jennifer Hill Lowe and Jane Hill Combs and their families—for everything.

The family would also like to thank the Milwaukee contingency: Ted Tyson, Carrie Yanko, Megan Kennedy, Kathi and Pete Koenig, Sheri and Don Pannell, Becky Spice, Johnny , Judy Berdan, Erik Ebarp, Kalai Taihook, Leslie and Paul Gegenhuber, Max Williamson, Dr. Mary Llanas, Robin Mello, Michael Wright and Ray Jivoff, the women of Renaissance Theatreworks, colleagues at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and the excellent fellows at UWM Peck School of the Arts.

And the Greensboro area support: Jennifer Mauney, Arizona Dyer, Kathleen Radcliff, Carline Bussiere, Meghan Harpold, Bill and Margaret Stancil, Ann Johnston, Glenna Kidd, Glenda Small, Kelle Owens, Dana Gourley, Leah Walker, Lori King, Felicia Newton, Kim Mounce, Julie Russell, Communication Access Partners (CAP), Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CSDHH), Interpreting Etcetera, and the ever-kind staff and faculty in the Elon University Human Service Studies Department.

In accordance with family wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of White-Anderson Funeral Home.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at the Old Main Arts & Heritage Center in the auditorium on Sunday, February 22, 2026.   Family members will receive guests starting at 1pm; please join us at 2PM for the ceremony and stay for dinner immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Steve’s name to the Old Main Arts & Heritage Center via the website (friendsofoldmain.com) or by check made to “Old Main Foundation” sent via mail (PO BOX 6, Summersville, WV 26651).

“Now cracks a noble heart.  Good-night, sweet prince.  And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

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