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ROBERT (BOB) L. MCMILLAN, FCS TEACHER, CHOIR DIRECTOR-FHS Flyers, and FHS FLYERS CLASS of 1952
Robert “Bob” L. McMillan, Sr. passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in his home in Pompano Beach, FL, with his loving partner and spouse of many years, Isaac Wayne Hollon-McMillan, by his side. Bob was born December 18, 1934, in Springfield, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Ruth G. McMillan, his former wife, Helene McMillan Erhart, and three of their sons, Robert (FHS-76) L. Jr., Scott (FHS-78) V. S., and David C. (FHS-81)
In addition to Isaac, Bob is survived by brothers, James G. (BATH-49) and J. William McMillan; his youngest son, Daniel (Jenny) McMillan, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A 1952 graduate of Fairborn High School Flyers, Bob went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Wittenberg University and a master’s degree in Education and Curriculum from Wright State University. He was Supervisor of Music and Director of Choral Activities for Fairborn City Schools for more than 30 years, and the choirs he directed were renowned for their excellence. He touched the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom continue to this day to express their love of music in church and community choirs. Over the years students kept in touch with their beloved “Mr. Mac” through cards, letters, phone calls, and even an occasional visit, much to his amazement and delight.
Bob’s talent and love of music was nurtured by his loving parents from a very early age. By the age of 13, he was organist for the Fairborn Presbyterian Church, and for the next 70 years served as Director of Music, Senior Organist, and Choral Director at various churches in Ohio and Florida, displaying his profound love of God to all who listened.
Bob’s 2015 induction into the Fairborn City Schools Hall of Honor was one of his proudest achievements. Unable to attend because of illness, his former student, J. Chris (FHS-66) Moore, accepted the honor on Bob’s behalf.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Bob’s memory to the following:
Alzheimer’s Association
225 N. Michigan Avenue
Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601
800.272.3900
alz.org
Or
Fairborn First Presbyterian Church
1130 Highview Drive
Fairborn, OH 45324
937.878.3954
SERVICE: Spring 2022 TBA
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Sherman Patrick
Godspeed Mr. Mac. I still listen to 'Hymn To David', 'O Vos Omnes', 'Man Of La Mancha', and my favorite, '150th Psalm'. This is my sleep music I use most nights. I'll never forget your teaching. The drive you had to be strait superiors. Acapella Choir is the greatest thing I did in high school. Ted Stahl talked me into trying out. Thank you for that Ted. I still remember when Larry Darner passed out during a concert. I don't remember who, but we caught him, laid him down, and kept right on singing. Some of my best memories were made because a great man believed in us, and made us proud. Heaven is rejoicing and has a great conductor now!! Praise The Lord!!!!
Sherm
Deborah Olsen
So sad to read about Mr. McMillan passing. As Sherm Patrick pointed out in his post, I was also so honored to be chosen to be in the Acapella Choir and always think back to all the songs we sang (especially at this time of year with all of the Christmas recitals). We were so lucky, to have a man of his talent leading us in all of the high school competitions. High point for my high school days for sure! Prayers and condolences to his friends and family.
Deb. Olsen
Paul Peters
What sad news! My introduction to Mr Mac was walking down the hall where his office was. As I walked by, he asked me who I was and invited me into his office. After talking a few minutes, he asked me if I was interested in joining choir, and asked me to sing a song. I hesitated and he suggested I sing, "My Country Tis of Thee". After singing it, he invited me to join the tenor section of Acappella Choir. As Sherm and Debra have said, I too can say that Choir, the recitals, the practices, performing at Memorial Hall in Dayton with the Philharmonic Orchestra, and the friends gained were among the best experiences in high school. Godspeed Mr Mac. Bravo Zulu!
Denise Kline (Derge ('71))
My relationship with Mr. McMillan was multi-facited. There was the one of teacher and student, and I was certainly no teacher's pet. But I also had the relationship of singing in his church choir. There wasn't even a gear shift as his methods were the same, just with a different age group. My mother was in the choir. She was a soprano with Mrs. Mac and I was an alto as anyone who knows me knew.
Then there was another chapter. I married a teacher. Now, Biology teachers and music teachers don't become best friends, but in those days, everyone got along fairly well. I remember sitting with Bob and Helene at a Christmas party and the discussion was around his retirement. It was foolish not to retire: Fairborn was giving him three years.
Bob was on the calling list to call my husband Jerry. So, when he called about a snow day, I usually answered the phone because Jerry was in the shower getting ready for school. I wasn't going to have a snow day, so I usually had a discouraging word for Bob. He got used to me.
Then he was just gone. Retired, quit the church job, and eventually divorced. There wasn't anything to hold on to. I regret that now. He taught me much and was a good friend.
Andrea Bakanauskas (Wilkes)
Mr. Mac could teach a chair to sing. I know, because he taught me to sing. I loved Concert Choir and was thrilled to be promoted to A Capella. We really would sing our hearts out for him. Our concerts were always well attended and we loved performing for our community. It was a highlight of high school for me. I remember seeing the statue of David in Florence and singing Hymn to David in front of it. The alto part. My husband thought I had lost my marbles but I truly was filled with joy and great memories. RIP Mr. Mac.