William “Bill” Gregg MacMillan of Thompson Falls, Montana passed away at University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington on February 28, 2023. He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends following a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer; he was 60 years old.
Bill was born on August 11, 1962 to Joseph and Beverly MacMillan in Great Falls, Montana. Joseph was a member of the United States Air Force, and with his family Bill traveled the world to many of his father’s duty assignments. In 1980, he graduated from Bitburg American High School at Bitburg Air Force Base in Germany. Bill later attended Embry Riddle University receiving both bachelors and master’s degrees.
Bill’s love for adventure and his country led him to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1982. He served for six years before transferring to the United States Navy. Bill loved flying and his dream to become a pilot was realized during his Navy career.
“Billy Mac” as he was known to his friends and fellow servicemen. In addition to being a pilot in the Navy, Bill also served as a flight instructor, aircraft maintenance quality control officer, and security manager. His career also led him to leadership positions including as Officer in Charge of the Aviation Unit or Detachment. Bill received several medals and meritorious service recognitions during his Naval service including the Kuwait Liberation Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service in Antarctica. He was proud that he flew on almost every continent with the exception of Australia.
Bill retired with more than 20 years of distinguished service and subsequently served as a commercial pilot. He returned to work with the military in the capacity as a civil as Airfield Manager at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor, Washington. As the Airfield Manager, he was responsible for the daily management of airfield operations. During his time as Airfield Manager he was recognized as NAS Manager of the Year, and received the Navy Meritorious Service Award and the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award.
In 2019, Bill permanently retired at which time he and his wife Marie moved into their dream home located in Montana. As an avid hunter, he found that living among the elk, deer, wild turkeys, occasional bear or moose, and even goats and skunks, made him the happiest he had been in his lifetime.
Bill loved having visitors come to experience the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting trips and adventures with family and friends. A skilled storyteller, Bill would share with listeners his favorite stories of shooting “Duncan” the bear or the elk hunting trip with his cousin David, and an amazing trip he and Marie took to New Mexico where he shot a 6 x 6 bull elk from over 680 yards away.
Bill MacMillan was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Beverly MacMillan; and his son William “Billy” MacMillan. Bill is survived by his loving wife Marie; and his children: Madison and Harper MacMillan of Yelm, Washington; Eric MacMillan and Dayna Badger (Matt) of Seattle, Washington; stepdaughters Natalie Hutton (Codey) of Renton, Washington; Emily Page of Tacoma, Washington; grandchild Hallie Hutton; and by his brothers Steve, Jeff and Kenny MacMillan; sisters Debbie Hansen (Cal) and Patty Charlton; and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
The family recommends Buds and Blooms of Kent, Washington for flowers. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the William MacMillan Fundraiser through Valley Girls and Guys with proceeds to benefit pancreatic research.
Services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery located at 1800 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042 on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 3 PM.
