Leslie Mcmillan, Jr.

Leslie Love McMillan, Jr, died at Ashlan Village, an assisted living facility, on Saturday, December 18, 2021. He dearly loved his work, family, friends and most people he met throughout his long life.

He was born May 18, 1930 to Jessie Irene Kay McMillan and Leslie Love McMillan of Spartanburg, SC. He attended Pine Street Elementary School, Jenkins Junior High School and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1947. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Clemson University in January 1952. At Clemson, he was a member of the Cadet Corps and the Minarets. He did graduate work at Clemson and was a graduate assistant Instructor in the School of Engineering.

Les McMillan served in the Third Armored Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky and while there completed Motor Officer’s School. After his separation from active duty at Fort Knox, he served in the SC National Guard and in the U. S. Army Reserves. He held the rank of Captain when he was discharged from active duty in the Reserves.

Mr. McMillan was a Licensed Architect and is a member emeritus of the American Institute of Architects. During his professional career, he held the positions of Superintendent of the Building Inspection Department for the City of Charlotte, and Staff Architect for Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Winston Salem, N C. He then returned to Spartanburg and was a Partnership with the firm of A. Hugh Chapman. The firm became Chapman & McMillan, then Chapman, McMillan & Satterfield, Architects and eventually McMillan and Satterfield. That firm merged in 1992 and became McMillan Smith & Partners, Architects. Mr. McMillan continued working for several years as a consultant after retirement.

During his lifetime, Mr. McMillan served on many community boards and organizations. His interests were many and varied and included United Way, Mental Health Association, Fundraising for the Restoration of Cleveland Park and working with Arts organizations in Spartanburg.

Honors include a Sculpture and Plaque in the lobby of the Health Sciences Building at Spartanburg Community College presented to him by McMillan Smith and Partners upon retirement. He also received the David W. Reid Award for participation in the Arts Community, where he and his wife, Betty, were honored by the Palmetto Bank when the bank contributed a sizable sum of money to endow the Permanent Collection for the Spartanburg Art Museum.

For many years Les was a member of First Baptist Spartanburg where he was a deacon, taught Sunday School and was a part of many church activities. Later, he and Betty joined Central United Methodist Church. Betty is still at Central, and Les was a member until he died.

Les and his wife, Betty, lived at White Oak Estates in their later years and both participated in many activities and events there. Les was elected Resident of the Year in 2011. He enjoyed visiting folks in Assisted Living and the Health Center and exercising in the Wellness Center.

Leslie McMillan is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth Tonge McMillan. Their children are AliceKay McMillan and Leslie McMillan III (deceased). Their two granddaughters are Gwenlain Cliatt Phifer (married to Landon Campbell/Cook) and Emily Harris Phifer (married to David Smith). Two great-granddaughters are Penelope Adele Cook and Avanil Rose Phifer.

The family will celebrate the life of Leslie McMillan in a Memorial service at Floyd Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307 on January 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Methodist Church or Chapman Cultural Center.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel