Dr. Marvin Revelle McMillin's Obituary
Dr. Marvin Revelle McMillin passed peacefully into the kingdom of heaven on May 6, 2024 surrounded by his family. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of service and selfless devotion celebrating the love and teachings of Christ.
Marv was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, grandson Bryon McMillin, and great-grandson Jackson Jerolaman. He is survived by daughters Mary, Julie, Amy (David), Jenny, and son Tom, his brother Ron McMillin, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren Amy Rose and Alex Pearson, Jody Jerolaman, Brett, Savannah, Cameron, Bailey, and Merritt McMillin, Moriah, Nicholas, and Alexander Noegel, and Carsyn Kueber.
Marv was born in rural New Palestine, Indiana to Fern and Royal McMillin June 8, 1932. As a young boy he developed a life-long passion for sports. In 1950 he graduated from Marshall High School with a class numbering just 17 students. Marv then attended Indiana State University while working as Director of the Boys’ Club, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education in 1954. It was there he would meet and marry his college sweetheart Nancy Ann Notley, forging a union that would span seven decades, five children, and over 100 pets.
But first Marv had to answer the call of the United States Army. He was accompanied by his bride for a two-year adventure in Germany, which was fondly recalled as an exciting time for the young couple. Upon his return to the States, Marv taught for five years in the Indiana public school system while coaching sports, mentoring and encouraging countless young people with his trademark emphasis on inclusion and fair play.
Having realized his calling in leadership, Marv completed his Doctorate degree in Education at the University Florida in 1965. He returned to Indiana as Director of Counseling at the Rose Hulman Institute of Technology for three years, followed by two years as the Director of the Counseling Center at Indiana State University. Returning to the University of Florida in 1970, Marv began a 24 year-long tenure as Associate Dean in the College of Education. He was especially proud to have been a founding member of the revolutionary “Pro-Teach” teacher preparation program, with his own child as a member of the first graduating class.
Marv was exceedingly generous with his gifts of time and kindness. For several years Marv spent his lunchbreak daily as a visitor for Meals on Wheels, eventually inviting the elderly man to spend his last days in the McMillin household. Marv continued his affinity for sports by coaching youth baseball and basketball teams alongside his son Tom and is also credited with leading the nationally ranked Renegades Wheelchair basketball team. Marv participated in the Kairos prison ministry and Hospice, underscoring his mission to share his faith with people in all walks of life.
Together with his wife Nancy, Marv was an active and steadfast member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Fishermen Sunday School class for over four decades, leading both youth and adult classes. Following his retirement from the University Marv joined the church staff as a Lay Minister for Visitation, extending God’s love and peace to those most in need. He visited hospitals and nursing homes, led countless counseling sessions, and officiated at more than 100 memorial services, including 63 for members of the Fishermen class and their families.
Marv’s life’s work stands as a testament to one of his favorite scriptures, Micah 6:8:
He has told you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And walk humbly with your God.
We will treasure Marv’s memory as a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, minister, and faithful friend. He was truly a beacon of light that reflected God’s love and brightened the world around him on his journey. We invite Marv’s friends and family to attend a Celebration of Life Friday May 17 at Trinity United Methodist Church with a reception to follow.
The interment of ashes will be a private family ceremony.
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