Hershell Paul McMillan

Hershell Paul McMillan went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by love and faith. The most important things in his life were Christ, Family, and Country—and he lived every day with steadfast devotion to all three.

He was the devoted husband to his beautiful late wife, Ann Price McMillan (deceased March 18, 2016), the cherished mother of his three wonderful children: Chris, Kathy, and Wendy. Later in life, Paul was blessed again with love and companionship, and is survived by his wife, Sandy Yielding McMillan.

Paul was a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy through his children and grandchildren: Chuck and Sarah Brown, Ashley and Jonathan Kirkland, Sarah and Zach Woodall, Rachel and Aidan Teresi, Andrew, Alec, Austin, KayLeigh McMillan, Alicia Long and fiancé Mark Drake, and Sydney Long, and his great-grandchildren Hudson, Harper, Haven, and Daniel.

He also deeply loved his bonus sons, daughters and grandchildren, Bryan and Carla Yielding of Athens, TN, Brett and Kellie Yielding of Riceville, TN, and grandchildren Jackson Yielding of Athens, TN, Will Yielding of Riceville, TN, Elizabeth Yielding and Luke Yielding of Athens, TN.

Paul was a devoted lifelong member of Woodward Avenue Church of God, where he was surrounded by a loving church family who enriched his life for many years. Deeply committed to sharing his faith, he participated in several mission trips and served wherever he was needed. In the 1960s, he also enjoyed fellowship and friendly competition as a member of the church softball team, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.  

Paul’s commitment to service extended beyond his faith and family. He proudly served his country, being promoted to the rank of Army E-5 within 18 months of enlistment. During the last 18 months of his military service, he served as NCOIC of Inprocessing for HHQ USATC INF at Fort Benning, Georgia, and later completed a year with the Tennessee State National Guard Headquarters in Athens, TN.

Following his military career, Paul continued to serve the public with dedication, retiring from the U.S. Postal Service after 34 years. He attended Lee University and gave 34 years of service as a University of Tennessee Football Usher, a role he loved deeply.

For more than 50 years, Paul was also an esteemed umpire with USA/ASA Softball, NCAA, and TSSAA Softball and Football. He served as UIC for three NCAA Division II National Softball Tournaments, called in 17 National USA ASA Softball Tournaments, and was a proud member of the USA National Fraternal Order of Umpires. His leadership, fairness, and love for the game left a lasting mark on countless athletes and officials across the country.

Paul was also preceded in death by his parents Hershell Paul Sr. (KIA WWII, June 3, 1945) and Ruby Gladys McMillan, his brother Jimmy H. McMillan, and his adopted father M.F. “Red” Duckworth, along with many dear family members and friends whom he looked forward to reuniting with in Heaven.

Paul leaves behind a message for all who knew and loved him:

“To my family and friends, I love each and every one of you. Should I need to apologize to anyone, please forgive me! Until we meet again in Heaven through the blood of Jesus Christ, may God bless each of you as He has blessed me with your love and friendship. Praise be unto God.”

Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Monday, October 13, at Woodward Avenue Church of God with Rev. Dustin Wildes, Rev. Allan Malloy and Rev. Chris McMillan officiating.
Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery with military honors. 
The family will receive friends 12:00 PM until 1:30 Pm  prior to the service at Woodward Avenue Church of God.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, please sign the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Hershell Paul McMillan.