Kevin C McMillen's Obituary
Kevin McMillen, 77, of Mooresville, North Carolina and Naperville, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in his North Carolina home on February 1, 2024. Kevin was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 12, 1947, and was raised in Indian Head Park and Countryside, Illinois, by his late parents Chester Keith McMillen and Katherine Doris (Cooper) McMillen.
In addition to his parents, Kevin is preceded in death by his late brother, Gregg Howard McMillen (Linda) of Carbondale, Illinois and Ludington, Michigan.
Kevin Graduated from Lyons Township High School, LaGrange, Illinois in 1965. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, graduating in 1971. He moved to Grand Rapids Michigan where he began his medical sales career starting with Johnson and Johnson, then working for White and White Hospital Supply. He also worked for Integrated Medical Systems/ Steris Corporation, in Birmingham, Alabama, working his way up to Executive Vice President for Key Accounts until his retirement in 2023.
He was a man of many interests, from racing motorcycles in his youth and off road trail riding with his sons, to traveling the world with his wife. One of his greatest passions was aviation. Kevin was an accomplished pilot with an IFR rating. He found great enjoyment in sharing his love of flying with others.
Kevin enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the mountains and believed that any meal was made better if eaten by a campfire. He was an avid reader and believed in lifelong learning. Kevin was a voracious learner that was motivated to research anything unknown.
Kevin is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 36 years, Zoe Ann (Jones); the mother of his sons, Tara Roodman (James); sons, Erik (Allison) McMillen and Sean (Deanne) McMillen; stepchildren, Tracy (John) Gonia, Katie (Sean) Frisbie, and John (Christie) Kenny; grandchildren, Cooper, Addison, Hunter, Stella, Shane, Casey (Samantha), Tricia, Riley, Keeley, and Braedon; and great grandson, Hunter.
We are beautifully reminded from a Dr. Suess quote, “don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened”. In his own unique way, Kevin was a great gift from God to this world and his family. He was funny, witty, adventurous, with a fierce work ethic, an amazing role model to all. Above all, he had a kind heart, a heart that was solid and true to the core.
Kevin and Zoe have always shown everyone around them how easy true love can be. Kevin will be remembered as the most gracious gentleman we will all have had the pleasure of knowing.
Donations accepted in the form of prayers only, please.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Kevin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kevin?
Share a story where Kevin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kevin you’ll never forget.
How did Kevin make you smile?