In Loving Memory of Arnold Dwight McMillan (1930-2026)

Arnold Dwight McMillan passed away in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on September 20, 2026, at the age of 96.

Arnold was born on August 2, 1930, in Fabens, Texas, to Ella Junell Kirkpatric McMillan and J. C. McMillan. He was born during the difficult years of the Great Depression. As his family searched for work, they moved from New Mexico to California and Nevada, eventually settling in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Arnold completed the sixth grade.

As a young boy, Arnold sold newspapers on Fremont Street in Las Vegas to help his mother pay the rent. After his mother was injured in an automobile accident, the family returned to Dona Ana, New Mexico, so she could recuperate. Arnold began the seventh grade in Las Cruces and never left the community that would remain his home for the rest of his life.

As a very young boy, Arnold attended a revival at First Baptist Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with his mother. During that revival, Arnold and his mother both made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as their God and Savior. From that day forward, Arnold spent his life seeking and serving his Lord. His faith was not merely something he professed as a child; it became the foundation of the life he lived, the family he loved, and the service he gave to others.

During his senior year at Las Cruces High School, Arnold was a cheerleader and was elected co-president of the student body. He graduated in 1949 and attended New Mexico State University for one semester.

On September 16, 1950, Arnold married his high school sweetheart, Joy Ann Drum. Arnold and Joy had three children: Karen Lee Williams, Gary McMillan, and Randy McMillan.

Arnold was offered a position as sales manager by his father-in-law, Leslie Drum, in the family business, Drum Electric Company. In 1958, Mr. Drum retired and sold the business to Arnold. It was renamed Drum Appliance Company and specialized in Frigidaire appliances.

Always hardworking and ambitious, Arnold earned his real estate license and spent evenings and weekends selling homes for C. B. Smith and Sons alongside Eddie Binns. His original real estate license from 1959 still hangs proudly in his son's real estate office.

Arnold was a true entrepreneur who built and operated several successful businesses during his lifetime. In addition to Drum Appliance Company, he established McMillan Builders Supply and McMillan Ice Machine Rental Company. He also developed and managed a pecan farm. Through his businesses and other endeavors, Arnold helped build the community he loved while providing opportunities for his family and others.

Arnold proudly served in the United States Army Reserve from 1951 until receiving his honorable discharge in 1958. He joined at age 21 and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He completed basic training in Arkansas and received additional training in Baltimore. He served in counterintelligence and was trained to become a CIA agent. Throughout his years in the Army Reserve, he attended regular training sessions and summer camps but was never called to active duty.

In February 1980, Arnold suffered the heartbreaking loss of Joy Ann, who passed away at age 47 following a courageous battle with breast and bone cancer. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

In 1981, Arnold met Cheri Wynn Davis, a widow with three children: Tim Davis, Mark Davis, and Erika Davis. Arnold and Cheri fell in love and were married in 1981, bringing their families together. Arnold's children with Joy were Karen, Gary, and Randy, and Cheri's children were Tim, Mark, and Erika.

Arnold and Cheri lived in their home on Bason Manor for 40 years. Their years together were filled with wonderful memories of traveling, taking cruises, square dancing, RVing with the Las Cruces Trailer Club, and spending time with their family. They also had the privilege of raising their grandson Ayden, who came to live with them when he was five years old.

Together, Arnold and Cheri were blessed with a large and loving family that included 13 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson whom Arnold had the joy of meeting just two weeks before his passing. At the time of Arnold's death, the family was also joyfully awaiting the arrival of another great-grandchild in March.

Faith, service, and community were important throughout Arnold's life. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and received the Yule Candle Award in recognition of his service to the church.

Arnold also served on the Junior Board of Directors of First National Bank and was elected president of the Las Cruces Rotary Club. He received the Paul Harris Award in recognition of his service and leadership.

Arnold lived a long and remarkable life shaped by hard work, perseverance, faith, service, and devotion to his family. From selling newspapers as a boy to help his mother pay the rent, to building businesses, serving his country and community, and helping raise generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild, Arnold leaves behind a legacy that will remain with his family for generations.

Most importantly, Arnold's family takes comfort in knowing that the faith he and his mother publicly professed when he was a young boy remained the foundation of his life. They grieve his passing with hope, trusting in the promises of Jesus Christ and looking forward to the day when they will see him again.
Arnold requested that the members of his coffee club serve as honorary pallbearers and that his grandsons and grandsons-in-law serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, Arnold requested that donations be made to University Presbyterian church located at 200 East Boutz Rd. Las Cruces, New Mexico.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Everyone who knew Arnold - or whose life was touched by him or his family - is warmly invited to attend the funeral service, graveside service, and celebration reception.

12:15 p.m. - Visitation and Viewing
First Presbyterian Church
200 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico

1:00 p.m. - Funeral Service
First Presbyterian Church
200 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico

2:30 p.m. - Graveside Service
Masonic Cemetery
760 S. Compress Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico

4:00 p.m. - Celebration Reception
Rio Grande Winery
5321 N. Highway 28, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Arnold loved food, and in his honor there will be plenty of it. Please come and join Arnold's family and friends for fellowship, remembrance, stories, and a celebration of a life well lived.

For those who are unable to be there in person, the funeral service can be watched live or viewed later here: https://youtube.com/live/Pjy21YE-nX0?feature=share

"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Matthew 25:23