The beloved son of Pine Crest founder Mae McMillan, William “Bill” McMillan, recently passed away at the age of 84 in Pompano Beach on February 7th. The news was broken out to the Pine Crest community by current President Dr. Markham.   She expressed her condolences for the former President’s family, while lauding Mr. McMillan for his prolific 43-year career at Pine Crest. “Mr. McMillan shaped the foundation of education, character, and leadership that defines Pine Crest School today,” said Dr. Markham. “Mr. McMillan planted the seed for Pine Crest’s renowned reputation in Florida and throughout the U.S.”

Mr. McMillan, or “Bill” as he was known by friends and colleagues, was a student of the earliest graduating classes (class of ’45) at his mother’s school, originally located on Broward Boulevard.  He went on to graduate from Swarthmore College, a liberal arts school in Pennsylvania, and served in the Korean War for two years in the Army Artillery division. Later, he would eventually return to Pine Crest to serve as a teacher, an administrator, and after his mother stepped down from her position in 1965, as President.  Mr. McMillan then engineered an outward expansion of the school, including a relocation to today’s current 50+ acre campus, the integration of a new campus in Boca Raton in the late 1980’s, as well as the transition from a boarding school to a prestigious college prep school. He retired from his position in 1995, but in recent years could still be seen occasionally attending important events at Pine Crest, including graduation ceremonies on both campuses.

Mr. McMillan is survived by his wife, Lisa, one daughter and three step-sons, along with other close relatives.

The memorial service for Mr. McMillan will take place at  3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9th in Stacy Auditorium. Many students and administrators will be in attendance to honor the life of a very influential man, who shaped this school in so many unforgettable ways.