Life Story

Leon McMillan

August 29, 1956- November 14, 2023

Leon McMillan Sr. was born on August 29, 1956, Cumberland County, Fayetteville, North Carolina to the late Christine (Rhodes) McMillan and Clarence McMillan. He was the third child of four children- Preceded him in death was his older brother Linwood, his older sister Shirley.

He was educated at Alexander Graham (Junior High School) and Reid Ross (High School) in Fayetteville, NC. He attended High School and played football until an injury cause him to stop playing. He grew up in _Sycamore Court (North Street Circle) with his close friends- Charles Curtis (Splooby), Norris Brayboy, Mark Thomas, Willie Craddock, Clyde Torrey, Willie King, and many more.

In high school he met his best friend and high school sweetheart, Diane Smith and they had a daughter together- Shanda Smith. Leon was always making sure that he could provide for his family and his friends by any means necessary. In his words of sharing the story with us, his Uncle John told him to come North and find work so he can care for his daughter and so in 1974, Leon moved to Philadelphia, PA.

He always shared stories about 49th and Reno and his friends and the gangs that he encountered back then. He would share countless stories of how he knew God was with him because he had multiple encounters with the Philadelphia gangs. He would always say, "God was watching over me." He shared stories of how he would always hang out with his cousins Tee, Mary, Ricky, Ronnie, Lonnie, Alfreda, Albert, Richadeen (Hosea, and Riva).

Leon met Charlene Morgan and they married in 1980 and in this union, they had two children- L'Vonne McMillan and Leon McMillan, Jr. Their marriage later dissolved. He met Lorraine Smith, and they had one daughter, Larina Smith. He met Arlene and they had a son, March Kazmiroski.

Leon McMillan Sr. worked many jobs in the Restaurant Industry. He was known for being a cook at the Homestead Nursing Home, the neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot on Germantown Ave and working at major food restaurants such as Ruby Tuesday, Applebees, TGIFridays, Ponderosa Steakhouse, Fibbers, Crab House and that is just to name a few. We have a running joke not to ask where he worked but to ask him where he did not work. We just found out recently he even worked at McDonald's for a day, but the manager yelled at him about how he flipped the burger, so he quit.

His work ethic was incredible he would work one shift at one restaurant and end his shift; then go home shower and go to the next restaurant. His hours consisted of 12–18-hour days. After a car accident, he was not able to work because of neck and back injuries so he later went out on disability. He worked in odd jobs around the city- scraping (recycling) and small minor jobs in construction. While he worked in construction, he met his best friend and mentor- Louie who encouraged and taught Leon how to do small jobs such as flooring, painting, etc. Louie and Leon became good friends and worked on multiple jobs together. You would often hear Leon say- "Louie and I worked on that house right there."

Leon lived in Bucks County in his younger years, he lived in various townships in Bucks County- Bristol, PA, Levittown, Pa, and Doylestown, PA. When he was in Bucks County he started going to the gym and was approached by another person at the gym about body building. Leon took interest in it and started competing and he took off in the body building competition arena. He began competing at a state level and won Mr. Pennsylvania 3 times in his weight division.

Although he enjoyed the competitions and networking; life choices got in the way, and he detoured into a different path. He made mistakes and always said he wished he could have made better decisions but because it was fast paced lifestyle, he choose a different route. He was never ashamed of his past because he knew God was with him and he always told the story of how he was reading his bible and read the scripture Deuteronomy 7:6-9 and how in the scripture it says that if you keep my commandments, I will bless you and generations to come. Leon stood firm on this belief in that year on October 13 (his son Leon's birthday) he was released from prison, and he vowed to never go back again.

He always had a teaching spirit and he mentored others when he was in jail and always shared his testimony in church or bible study. Leon accepted God at a young age and believed in him.

Later in life, you would see Leon in the kitchen cooking for his family and friends, some of his favorite dishes were stuffed potato balls, lasagna, and he could even take your leftovers and turn them into a home cooked meal. LOL

He met his friend Robin enjoying a day at the park and they became friends instantly. He and Robin shared their days watching TV and making goals for the future. Robin cared for him up until he became ill on that day on November 14, 2023.

Leon McMillan leaves to cherish his memories: his younger brother- Curtis McMillan (Hazel), his children- Shanda (Wayne), L'Vonne, Leon, Larina (Wayne), and March, 6 Grandchildren- Marquez, Shyenne, Rahmel, Jordan, Lanae, and Jada. 8+ great grandchildren. His good friends- Robin and her children, Louie, Jessie, and his friends from North Carolina, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.