Allen Cantey Millar

1940 - 2017

Allen Cantey Millar obituary, 1940-2017, Fayetteville, NC

BORN

1940

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street

Raleigh, North Carolina

Allen Millar Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 18, 2017.

Allen Cantey Millar, 77, of Raleigh, peacefully died Monday, July 17 with family after a battle with Alzheimer's with an abrupt decline in recent weeks.

Allen was born in Charleston, SC on April 2, 1940 to the late William Lawrence Millar, Jr. and Floride Richbourg Millar Dunlap. He was a graduate of the Class of 1958 at Needham Broughton High School where he met his future wife, Brenda Payne Millar. Having played football, basketball, and baseball in high school, he was the sports superlative of his class. Allen was also a graduate of the Class of 1962 at Davidson College where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, played basketball under Lefty Drisell, and was a member of the baseball team. After completing college, he served as a Lieutenant in the US Army in Ansbach, Germany where he and Brenda began their married life.

Returning to the states in 1965, Allen was one of the first local hires of IBM as they were setting up a new site in NC. He attended Computer Training Program School in Poughkeepsie, NY before returning to Raleigh to begin his illustrious career that took him to LaGaude, France from 1977 to 1979. He became an executive of product development with IBM retiring in 1996 after 31 years of service. Allen was an active member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Board, the Staff Parish Committee, Communications Committee, and chaired the Child Development Center Board. He was also a counselor of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. In his retirement years Allen enjoyed tutoring in the Wake County Schools and serving on the NC Opera Company Board. Golf was one of his favorite pastimes, and he volunteered as a ranger. Working in his yard and planning trips were also a joy to him.

Allen was preceded in death by his brother, William L. Millar, III and his step brother, William Dunlap. He is survived by his cherished wife of 54 years, his son, Gregory Millar (Lisa), his daughters, Leah Millar and Andrea Millar. Three grandchildren survive him, Chase Millar, Kyla Millar, and Mila Lauck. Also, Tom Dunlap, his step brother, and sisters-in-law, Peggy Duke and Sue Millar, survive him along with a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Although many called him Allen, he was also known as Dad, Geega by his loving grandchildren, AC by his Davidson friends, and Al at IBM. A gentle giant, one may call him. He had a rare combination of intellect, humor, kindness, and gentleness yet he was an outstanding athlete. He also was a huge fan of sports, especially NC State and the Carolina Hurricanes. His big heart and giving nature made him an easy person to know. A stack of books by his bedside was a common sight with them all being read at the same time. For 15 years, visiting Park City, Utah was a favorite tradition of the family as they loved skiing and attending the Sundance Film Festival. Traveling to many places around the world was a love of his enhanced by the four years of living abroad. But Charleston was his happy place.

His abounding generosity and love for his family (and dogs) were equally reciprocated by their love and admiration for him. He is already dearly missed, and his family will never forget the constant love in his eyes.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm Saturday, July 22, 2017 in the sanctuary at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. Inurnment and military honors will be held at the church columbarium. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Garden Gallery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Ruth Sheets Adult Care Center 228 Edenton Street Raleigh, NC 27603. This was a caring place for Allen during the last two years of his life. The family would also like to thank the many friends who shared time and attention with him on many occasions as he walked this difficult journey in later years.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St Mary's Street. Condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynne.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

July 23, 2017

Dear Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of Allen's death. Jimmy let me know about it and about the service that was held on July 22. I am sorry I could not attend, but I was hosting a gathering at my home yesterday. Reading the story of Allen's life certainly gave me a window into what a wonderful, loving man he was. And I thank you for your kind welcome to me when I was doing caregiving for my husband too. Sending love and strength. Jade Dell

July 22, 2017

Lou Yates

I shared many rounds of golf and many trips to play golf with Al. It has been said that golf brings out the true character of a man. Al was a good guy. I have many good memories.

July 21, 2017

Friend

Sandi Gorham

My heart breaks for you and your family. Grieving is never easy but it is normal, natural and necessary.

July 21, 2017

Raymond & Judy James

Brenda and family,

Judy and I share in your loss of Allen. He was one of those "all-around good guys." A person with compassion, humor and most of all a true friend and family man. It's ironic that Allen, you and I were classmates at Broughton, and you and Judy were classmates at Meredith.We pray for your family, and that God has opened his arms to accept Allen with a new life .Allen will be missed but his memory will live in our hearts forever. May God bless you and your family.

Raymond & Judy James

July 21, 2017

Donna Kidder

Al was a wonderful well-loved leader at IBM. He made those that worked with him feel like they mattered and he listened intently to their ideas - an important trait for a leader.

I only knew him professionally until now, but thanks to his family, I caught a glimpse of his wonderful life outside of work. I am glad that he led such a full life and was so well loved, as evidenced by the slide show. I am sure he will watch over his family from heaven.

July 21, 2017

Frank Skidmore

I came to RTP in 1988 and one of the first co-workers I knew from VTAM days was Al. He was just what he looked like - gentle giant. He was intelligent and a team player. He was truly one of the good guys.
Frank Skidmore

July 21, 2017

Dear Brenda and family, I know this is a tough time for you but find solace in the knowledge that Allen was a good man with a big heart and wonderful smile. I remember how much he meant to my mom and the happiness he brought to her and the Millar family. We Moody's will miss him too and cherish the fond memories. God's continued blessings to you all, and our love and condolences. Ross Moody Summerville , S.C.

July 21, 2017

Brenda, My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I'm very proud to have been a high school class member with you and Allen. He left a legacy that will never be forgotten, and you can celebrate his life. Susan a Stephenson Crotts

July 20, 2017

Brenda, we always loved and looked forward visiting at times with you, Allen and Peggy. Alan was always comfortable to be with, and he always made Debra and I feel he was glad to see us, and glad to be with us too! Debra & Tom

July 20, 2017

Bobby Harris

Brenda, my sympathy to you and all of Allen's family as you go through this difficult time. He was a much admired member of our class at Broughton. Also I was there to see his outstanding IBM career. He led a life that was an example to all of us .

July 19, 2017

Marie L

Sorry for the loss of your love one, may you find comfort in knowing that those who have passed on in death God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15

July 19, 2017

A great man and a true friend.
Paul Frontiero

July 18, 2017

Brenda, How brave you have been over these years to lead Allen into this life he can now rest. Your faith and friends will assist you in the new journey of life. Lewanna Stout

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Memorial Events
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Jul

22

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Edenton Street United Methodist Church.

NC

Funeral services provided by:

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

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