Obituary: John Wesley McMillan

John Wesley McMillan, 70, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 22, 2022. John was born on Dec. 5, 1951, and was the son of Lee Malcom McMillan Sr. and Vella Florence Kuykendall McMillan. He was a third-generation Winter Garden resident.

After graduating from Lakeview High School in 1970, John earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics at the University of Florida in 1975. He then returned to his hometown of Winter Garden to work with his family’s citrus business at McMillan Brothers Inc.

Continuing his career in agriculture, John chose the field of wholesale foliage and established McMillan’s Nursery in 1986.

In 2003, John’s passion for doing his own household repairs and yard maintenance led to his venture into the hardware industry. John opened and operated multiple Ace Hardware stores in Central Florida. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and talents with both employees and customers. His daily smile was renowned.

Above all, John was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cherished his time with loved ones. An avid outdoorsman, he shared his love of hunting and fishing with family and friends. John was a naturally gifted storyteller and delighted in sharing fond memories of growing up in West Orange County.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Malcom McMillan Sr. and Vella Florence Kuykendall McMillan; and his infant brother Neil Alexander McMillan.

John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Candace Shaffer McMillan, and their sons, Wyatt Bray McMillan (Leslie) of Oakland, Florida, and John Wesley McMillan Jr. (Kasey) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; his five grandchildren, Wyatt Stockton, Bristol Leigh, Easton Woods, Palmer Lochlan and Baylor Atticus. He is also survived by his siblings, George Yulee McMillan (Reyna), Lee Malcom McMillan Jr. (Carol), Sarah Elizabeth McMillan (Jan) and Neil McMillan (Sherry); along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

John Wesley McMillan never met a stranger, and he knew God’s love and his promise of eternal life.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Tanner Hall in Winter Garden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden or the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.