Jerry McMillan

Jerry Charles McMillan, Sr., was born January 1,1947 to the late Willis and Viola Cogman Sr. He was reared in love by his grandparents Charlie and Jerrie Lee McMillan in Fairfield, Alabama. He was a graduate of Fairfield Industrial High School, Class of 1966 and Lawson State Community College. He served in the United States Armed Forces and received an Honorable Discharge. He was employed with Kopper's Coke Plant for 10 years. He worked in the industrial/construction industry through Labor Local 559 until his retirement in April 2010. Jerry met and married Doris Jean on December 21, 1982. Together they shared 28 years of marriage and raised three children: David, Dionne and Jeremey. He later joined New Bethlehem Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend William H. Walker. Jerry was a quiet, caring and giving man and was an excellent provider to his family. In his pastime, he enjoyed fishing and playing the guitar. In the months preceding his death, he was reassured of his salvation and talked frequently about his conversations with the Lord. Also, during this time, Jerry stressed the importance of forgiving one another and being forgiven. A devoted, husband, father and brother, Jerry transitioned Sunday, December 26, 2010 in the presence of his family. He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted and loving wife, Doris J. McMillan; five children: David (Daphne), Dionne, Jerry Charles Jr., Wattie Lupe (Kreston Sr.), and Jeremey (LaTasha); six brothers: Bennie (Helen) Turner, Willis (Ola Mae) Cogman Jr., Walker H. Cogman, Marshall H. Cogman, Donald (Shelia) Cogman, and Randy (Gwendolyn) Foster; two sisters: Ethel Louise Delbridge and Barbara Jean McCornell; four sisters-in-law, Regina, Brenda, Towana (Harry), and Sellastine; four brothers-in-law, Ralph (Marilyn), Joe (Ann), Kent and Rocky; 19 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.