William Vance McMillan

William Vance McMillan, 31, lifelong resident of Valley Mills, Texas, passed away on Feb. 4, 2012. Vance was born Oct. 27, 1980, in Clifton, Texas, to Steve and Sharon (Garrett) McMillan. He attended Valley Mills High School. He was employed by the Texas Criminal Justice Department in Gatesville.

In celebrating Vance's life he had many outstanding qualities including being a devoted father to his sons, Thomas and Nathan. Vance was so proud to be involved in their lives and activities and was a good provider. Family was especially important to him and he loved attending all family gatherings. An avid, lifelong outdoorsman, he enjoyed anything involving outdoor activities but especially had a passion for hunting and fishing.

Texas A&M was his favorite college team and he wore the maroon proudly. Vance was a people-person, never meeting a stranger; and always had a kind word for others. Along with his special sense of humor he had a gentle caring spirit, a genuine concern for others and a big, wonderful heart -- he was known for helping people. His special grin and smile will be missed. We have comfort in knowing he is in Heaven watching over all of us.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edwin (Buck) McMillan, in 1993 and his grandmother, Leatha Garrett, in 2003.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Thomas McMillan and Nathan McMillan; his father, Steve McMillan and wife, Lois, of Nevada, Mo.; his mother, Sharon McMillan and Dunner Toole of Waco, Texas; sister, Brandi Sikes and husband, Josh, of Valley Mills; sister, Carol Follmer and husband, Joel, of Leander, Texas; sister, Dakota Toole of Waco, Texas; brothers, Hagen Toole and Cody Toole of Waco; nieces, Brittany Daily and Emma Follmer; nephews, Weldon Daily, Austin Sikes and Jake Follmer; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins and friends.

Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at First Baptist Church, Valley Mills, with the Rev. John Wheatley officiating. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 at Foss Funeral Home in Valley Mills. Burial will follow in the Valley Mills Cemetery.