Daniel Preston MacMillan, Jr.

Daniel Preston MacMillan, Jr., died at home on September 30, 2020, with his children by his side.  He was born October 23, 1921 in Wade, NC, the first child of Daniel Preston MacMillan, Sr., and Flora Williams MacMillan.  He survived his four adored siblings Frank, Margaret, Robert, and John.  

After growing up in Fayetteville and Florida, he started college at [NC] State College, served three years in the US Army in World War II [A Company, 411thInfantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division], received two bronze stars, and returned to State for a degree in architecture.  He and his brother Frank apprenticed with the Webb firm in Chapel Hill and then had their own firm in Fayetteville.  Their projects included houses, many public schools, the county courthouse, and the Cumberland County Public Library, as well as a number of front porches and miscellaneous requested design solutions sketched on 3 x 5 cards.  Examples of his work are on https://www.ncmodernist.org/macmillan.htm.  Selections of his and Frank's architectural drawings are housed in the NC State University Libraries.  He completed his last design project in June of this year.  

In the early 1950s, a Carolina journalism professor introduced Dan to Lola Mustard, an instructor in what was then the department of journalism.  When Dan and Lola discussed marriage, she explained that they would always have a dog and a subscription to The New Yorker.  Married in Chapel Hill in 1953, they also had an enduring affection, wonderful friends, and two children who were crazy about them.  They were devoted to each until her death in 2003.  

Dan’s Scottish sensibilities included thriftiness, a high regard for education, and an appreciation of single malt scotch in moderation.  He also held surprises, such as loving Italy despite having limited interest in food and wine.  He loved Italians’ emphasis on family, the country’s natural beauty, its art, the Pazzi Chapel, and anything Etruscan.  

He served with commitment and creative tenacity on nonprofit boards throughout his adult life, but he was not particularly a joiner.  He studied local history and constructed maps, a few of which are at the State Archives of North Carolina.  Books and music were everywhere in the house.  He loved poetry, history, fiction, and music that ranged from Louis Armstrong to Mozart to Willie Nelson. 

Survivors include his children, Julia and David; several cousins, nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law Henry L’heureux; and friends of all ages.  

Memorial services will be private.  Donations to the MacMillan Family Fund at Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. [308 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301] would be welcomed but not expected. 

Condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home,545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301

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