Michael E. Millard

Michael Earl Millard, 69, Maryville, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at his home after a courageous and fierce battle with cancer. Mike fought several forms of cancer for 27 years, but he never complained. Mike focused on living a full and active life, and he never gave up.

Mike graduated from Alcoa High School before earning his Bachelor of Science from ETSU, where he was an active member of the Zeta Omega Chapter of Sigma Chi. He maintained lifelong relationships with his Sigma Chi brothers and participated in fraternity alumni gatherings.

Upon graduating from ETSU, Mike began his professional career as a teacher and girls basketball coach at Madisonville High School. Mike treasured the opportunity to serve as a mentor and guide for young athletes, often reflecting on the profound impact he had on the lives of his students.

Before moving home to Maryville, Mike spent years in Virginia, Georgia and middle Tennessee building and supervising several hardwood flooring manufacturing facilities. He loved to travel and snow ski, but his real passion was his farm where he kept his beloved horses. The farm was home to wild turkeys, deer, and other wildlife and had a pond for fishing, which he loved. Mike loved to spend time with his grandchildren exploring the property along with his treasured dog, Winston.

Preceded in death by his brothers, Steve and Bart Millard, his mother, Priscilla S. Millard, his father, James H. Millard, Jr., his grandparents, Samuel and Margretta Sullenberger, an aunt, Sammie Calfee, and an uncle, Charlie Grainger. He is also preceded in death by his biological father, Earl Dockery, and grandmother, Minnie Dockery.

Survived by his wife, Donna K. Millard, Maryville; his daughter Hannah (Kris) Yarlett, Morristown, his step-daughter, April Pierce, and his step-son Brandon Carper, both of Maryville; his sister, Bonny Millard, Maryville, and his brother, Brett (Leanna) Millard, Alcoa; three nephews, Garrett Millard, San Antonio, Texas, Jake (Leslie) Millard, Loudon, and Adam Millard, Maryville; an uncle, Blake Sullenberger, Knoxville; aunts, Mary Grainger, Atlanta, and Debra (Gerald) Johnston, Maryville; grandchildren, Javier, Lexi Kate and Liam Yarlett, and Brooke, Abby, and Trevor McClanahan; and great-grandchildren, Brody and Blake Sherwood; special lifelong friends Alan Giles and Steven Vesser, and several other relatives. He is also survived by half-siblings Jennifer Saoud, Julie Courtney, Jerri Dockery, and Jonathan Dockery.

Receiving of friends will be held from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN. His Celebration of Life will be held from 6-7:00 p.m. The burial service is 1:00 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at St.Paul Presbyterian Church, 4540 St. Paul Road, Morristown, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s or the nonprofit of your choice that assists cancer patients or supports animal welfare.