Donald Lane (DL) McMillin, age 85, of the Presbyterian Community, died July 3, 2010. Born in Rockville, IN, on March 11, 1925, he was the son of the late Donald and Bessie Dixon McMillin.

In 1943, Don volunteered for the US Marines and was in the Marine Air Corps during WWII. He served in the China and Philippine theaters of the South Pacific. Before serving overseas, he was stationed at Congaree Air Base (now McEntire) where he met Sarah Wilma Carter. They were married January 12, 1945. During his business career he served in management positions with Colonial Food Stores in Columbia, Atlanta, and Columbus, OH. In 1968 he became associated with the R.L. Bryan Co. and later served as VP/GM of the Charleston, SC branch. He obtained government purchasing experience as a Richland County Purchasing Agent and in 1976 joined the General Services Division of the Budget and Control Board of South Carolina. He retired in 1988, as the Assistant State Purchasing Officer.

After retirement he was caregiver to his loving wife Wilma, during her extended illness until her death in 2001, shortly after their 56th wedding anniversary. As Wilma’s health permitted, Don was active in volunteering at Harvest Hope Food Bank, Commission for the Blind, Washington Street Methodist Soup Kitchen, and the Presbyterian Home Store. In 2002, at age 77, driving himself 1700 miles roundtrip to become a student at clown school to fulfill a life long dream, he began volunteer clowning. He entertained at countless nursing and retirement communities in the greater Columbia area. As “Skippy the Clown”, he shared his love for others through musical talent with his trumpet and clowning skits. This brought much joy and entertainment to the residents of the various homes, including the Presbyterian Community where he directed several musical activities for the residents. Don had a sense of humor that was only surpassed by his compassionate, generous and gracious spirit.

Active in the Presbyterian Church, he served as Deacon, Trustee, Elder and in several music ministries. Since 1975, he was a member of Shandon Presbyterian Church. For those who desire, memorials may be directed to the Columbia Presbyterian Community of SC, PO Box 210037, Columbia, SC 29221 or to Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC 29205.

Don leaves a legacy of caring, service to others and unconditional love to his daughter, Deidra McMillin of Arlington, VA; son and daughter in law, Don and Robin McMillin of Columbia; beloved granddaughters Melissa McMillin Cofar (Jason), Atlanta, GA and Rachel McMillin Noyes (Dan), Lexington; special granddaughter, Lucy Aspen Odle, Charleston; and several beloved nieces and nephews in Indiana and South Carolina.

The family of Don McMillin, Sr. would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the 5th floor nursing staff of Lexington Medical Center, Drs. Epps and Roberts, the staff of National HealthCare, the residents and staff of the Presbyterian Community of Columbia and its health care unit and to Harmony Hospice for their love and care for Dad during this especially difficult time.