Michael Reginald Millard of Lamont, Michigan and New Smyrna Beach, Florida passed away at home in Florida on March 7 with his family by his side. He was 74.

Michael was born on May 2, 1950 to Reginald and Catherine (Snider) Millard in Atlanta, Georgia. He excelled in athletics and also enjoyed history and astronomy as a youth, serving on the Young Astronomers Club of Atlanta. He was a 1968 graduate of the Marist School in Atlanta, where he shined on the football field and the track, and formed many lifelong friendships.

Michael was proud to have played quarterback at Florida State University after high school, and in 1973 he met and married Mary Ford of Eastmanville, Michigan. They built a beautiful life together in Michigan, raising two children and enjoying time with family and friends. Michael had a strong work ethic, and was deeply dedicated to his customers in West Michigan car dealerships. He loved reading and could often be found with a novel or history textbook nearby. Though not a musician, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of music, from Beethoven to Motown, the Beatles to Jimmy Buffett, and enjoyed quizzing everyone around him about obscure facts. His greatest joy, other than his family, was the joy he found on the golf course, and he participated in several golf leagues in West Michigan and in Florida.

He was, above all, a loyal and patient husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He will be missed.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Catherine (Snider) Millard and his son, Patrick Ford Millard. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Ford) Millard, his daughter Laura Millard Ross, son-in-law Todd Ross, and grandson Duncan Ross, of Haslett, Michigan; his sisters, Mallen (Andrew) Zabinski and Catherine (Russ) Lino; his brothers, Marshall (April) Millard and Patrick (Barb) Millard; brothers-in-law David (Diane) Haan and Morris Ford; and many beloved friends, neighbors, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Michael would recommend you enjoy a walk on the beach, play a round of golf, or laugh with the ones you love. Memorial receptions will be held both in Florida and in Michigan. Details for  both are below.

March 16, 2025 at 11am – Hidden Lake Golf Club (New Smyrna Beach, Florida)

May 31, 2025 at 3pm – Western Greens Golf Course (Marne, Michigan)