Samuel Knight McMillan

Samuel Knight McMillan, who knew the recipe for the perfect day, died on Tuesday July 10th, 2018.  He was 84 years old.  Born to Clyde and Bertha McMillan in March of 1934, he called the small northern town of Hiwasse, Arkansas home.  At the age of 18 the siren calls of patriotism led Samuel to enlist in the United States Navy.  While serving he met and married a beautiful young woman named Marjie.  It wasn’t long before their love bloomed in new ways and they welcomed four children into their lives; Sam Jr., Rick, Tom, and daddy’s little girl Beth.  Together with his family Samuel spent his days outside, doing honest work using his hands, supporting the people he loved, and appreciating what life had given him. Before his passing he had shared with his family the ingredients for the perfect day and they were simple.  It would start with adventure.  Samuel would drive long distances for a satisfying breakfast.  He knew that savory biscuits with warm peppered gravy were always worth the extra effort.  When he returned home, his heart and his stomach full, he would go on leisurely walks with his dog, watch for birds, or hope to catch a fish or two if the day hadn’t gotten away from him.  Samuel was known for his light heart, quick laugh, and generous nature.  As he got older he built furniture and continued to labor with his hands, so he would have something to share with those around him.  Samuel was a man of small traditions.  Traditions for working the wood of his creations, of finding peace in fishing, of everyone having their specific place at the dinner table, of weaving dream catchers to keep safe his sleeping grandchildren, and of letting others know they were loved by him.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife Marjie and son-in-law Dick. Samuel is remembered by his two sisters Roselyn Pilant of Boise, Idaho and Lois Legg of Ontario, Oregon; his devoted children Sam Jr (Susan), Rick (Sharon), Tom (Sharon), and Beth; his loving grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law Jay (Tamara), Brenda (Brandon), Michael (Liz), Jennifer, Tarrah (Phillip), Robby (Angie), and Darcy (Steven); and his wonderful great-grandchildren Anthony, Kali, Landen, Summer, Aiden, Payton, James, Trevor, Ryan, Hudson, Blake, Chase, Kiley, Kayden, and Lincoln.

In recognition of his service to our country Samuel will be inurned, and rejoin his cherished Marjie, at Tahoma National Cemetery on Thursday July 19th, 2018 at 9:30am.

The family requests that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Salvation Army.

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