Lexington Family Grieves Loss Of Soldier Killed In Iraq

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Posted: 5:42 PM Jul 9, 2008
Last Updated: 6:46 PM Jul 10, 2008
Reporter: Tamara Evans
Email Address: tamara.evans@wkyt.com

24 comments

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A family is grieving the loss of a Kentucky soldier killed while fighting overseas.

22-year-old William McMillan III died Tuesday in Iraq when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb.

McMillan, who was a member of the U.S. Army, was due home in September. We're told he has been stationed in Iraq for seven months.

He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, who is a student at UK. We're told they married within the last year.

On Wednesday the parents of William McMillan, as well as his wife, were at Camp Nelson. We're told that's where the funeral will be held for William McMillan, with full military honors.

His family spoke to us Thursday morning, they say he always wanted to be a soldier and died a hero.

"There is a hole that will never be filled", said William McMillan, Specialist McMillan's father.

"He was my best friend. My brother", said Brad McMillan.

The family says William wanted to be in the army at an early age, so it was no surprise when this young man became an Army medic.

"He wanted to save lives", said Elizabeth McMillan, William's wife.

Elizabeth and William married last January, and Wednesday would have been their year 1/2 anniversary. She said she did talk to her husband on Monday at a time he always called, and he was happy.

"He was my hero long before any of this happened. The greatest man I will ever know", said Elizabeth.

"I'm extremely proud. We honor his service. He knew what he was doing", said William McMillan.

"There are no words in the English language that could ever capture the beauty that was him, and it's going to be hard to go on without him", said Elizabeth McMillan.

Elizabeth tells us that many of the times she and her husband talked on the phone, they talked about future plans.

They hoped to one day become physicians assistants together, and were planning a trip to the lake for when William returned in September.

This was McMillan's first tour in Iraq and he had even been given the Bronze Star Medal with distinction. McMillan will be buried at Camp Nelson Cemetery with full military honors.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Todd lawrence Location: iraq on Jul 15, 2008 at 07:07 PM
mcmillan was a friend of mine! we were serving in iraq together. we will be missed by all that ever meet him!

Posted by: Wayne Location: Mississippi on Jul 13, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I am 72 year old Korean veteran and I cry for every warrior who falls in defense of their country. My daughter is 2nd Infantry, Korea

Posted by: Susan Anderson Location: Miami, Fla on Jul 13, 2008 at 12:29 PM
It's time to stop this war. A Republican President will NOT stop it.

Posted by: Rob Location: Bear,DE on Jul 11, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Homeland security should check into ANONYMOUS's opinions.... ANONYMOUS what do you offer your country? Less than nothing I'm sure; other than your opinion that certainly does not offer a proactive approach to solving our country's problems. ANONYMOUS just whines about it. Pathetic... Billy had so much to offer this world and unfortunately, he or we shall never know now to what extent. I can only say that his service has offered me a new appreciation for what our soldiers do for their fellow countrymen. They keep us from harms way while dredging through the trenches of battle and pathetic attacks from our enemies. Billy my friend, my brother-in-law, my brother, may you rest in peace with God’s grace. So Mote it be.....

Posted by: john Location: liberty, ky on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:51 PM
the blood shed for the freedom that so many of us tend to take for granted would cover this country easily i am sure. may god bless and keep every member of this fallen soldier's family. my family grieves with you in your loss.

Posted by: ANONYMOUS on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Everything happen's for a reason. He will be loved in many eyes. God works in mystrious ways. I do believe in God and I do want his blessing. I am very sorry for your lose, and I hope that don't make you lose faith in God!

Posted by: Bart Location: Harrodsburg on Jul 11, 2008 at 11:24 AM
God BLESS them? If this is God "blessing" them... I don't think I want it! NO! God is cursing america for defiantly spitting on Him for years. More and worse is coming to this country. Get ready!

Posted by: Lisa Location: Lexington on Jul 11, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Thank you William McMillan III,you have given the ultimate sacrifice for me and my family. My thoughts and prayers will be with the Mcmillan family as they grieve. Bless those who mourn, eternal God, with the comfort of your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful, their days enriched with friendship, and their lives encircled by your love. Amen.

Posted by: Cassie Location: Hazard on Jul 11, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Bring All the Troops back home to their family where they belong. No one should have to die like this. Many families have already suffered enough. It don't have to be this way. May God be with you in your time of need. And Thank you so much for showing the world that you care. Your are a HERO McMillian in more ways than one. Thank you.

Posted by: Gina Location: Newark, De on Jul 10, 2008 at 11:22 PM
I had the pleasure of knowing the McMillan family when they lived in PA. Billy was full of life and mischief as I remember him. With my nephew, Gerardo, and their other buddies, they had numerous adventures! Billy had a bright smile and an even brighter spirit, he was fun to be around. My condolences go out to his family and wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will never forget Billy. This is truly alife interrupted.

Posted by: steve on Jul 10, 2008 at 11:09 PM
We will grieve with you your family you will not be alone god bless you all.

Posted by: Mary Location: New Berlin, WI on Jul 10, 2008 at 10:28 PM
My love, deepest pride and prayers goes out to Bill's parents, Marge & Lloyd. He told me how lucky he was to have parents like you. He really loved his family. I will always remember "Billy's" smile and how he was protective of my 4 girls, his cousins. He was a real sweetheart! Now he is a hero to all! He is truly in heaven with Jesus & his Grandma Ag. Love you! Mary & the Girls

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 10, 2008 at 09:02 PM
what a hero !!!! god bless america!!

Posted by: Trish Location: Corbin on Jul 10, 2008 at 03:05 PM
My heart cries with you all.. God Bless our soldiers.. Thank you Mr. McMillan lll for your sacrifice that you gave for ME.. I really appreciate you more than you know .. May God bless your wife & family . God Rest your soul.

Posted by: Magda Torres Location: Wilmington, Delaware on Jul 10, 2008 at 02:34 PM
I had the honor to meet Billie.and spend some time with him. He was my best friends brother. He was the type of guy you can never forget because of his great personality and sense of humor. I am deeply sad for his family and wife. Is great to know that he was doing what he wanted to do and that is to serve our country. To Billie's family; may GOD give you all strength to deal with the lost of your son, brother, husband and friend. GOD BLESS ALL MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS as well as the many men and women serving our country. REST IN PEACE. LOVE, Magda & family.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 10, 2008 at 01:41 PM
God Bless our men and women fighting for us. They are all heros. I pray comfort for the family.

Posted by: Michele Location: Kentucky on Jul 10, 2008 at 01:03 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. May the Lord ease your burdens and comfort all of you. Pray for the safety of all the soldiers serving in foreign countries. I have a son stationed in Afghanistan and I worry about him every day. We all need to support our soldiers and pray for our sons and daughters to come home safe once and for all. Pray for an end to all the wars. I will keep the McMillan family in my prayers and this sad time.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 10, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

Posted by: Jethro on Jul 10, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Bring the troops home. How many more people need to die before we realize that no one wins a war. Though shall not kill, remember that people.

Posted by: Goebel Location: Lexington on Jul 10, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Prayers for the family.

Posted by: Whitney Location: paris on Jul 10, 2008 at 08:25 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with this family. We need to pray and thank our soldiers everyday.

Posted by: Debbie Location: Lancaster, OH on Jul 10, 2008 at 07:19 AM
I pray the Lord & our Father lift this family up during this sad time. Nothing said here I'm sure will be able to bring smiles, laughter to you. Just keep God in your hearts, lives. He has a journey for you to follow. Keep your memories and the love you shared in your hearts. I have my own son in Iraq and my prayers constantly go out for our troops! I pray God Blesses you all and you at some time can find a peace through all of this. I know a lot of "US" AMERICANS, ALL CRY with you during this time. Precious Lord give this family a calm, touch them during their time of need. Amen

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Eastern ky.. on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:45 PM
My heart goes out to this family... William is a hero!!! God Bless The U.S.A..

Posted by: Bubby Smitty Location: Georgetown on Jul 9, 2008 at 07:31 PM
My prayers are with each and everyone of this soldier's family members. PS: Thank you GOD for these men and women who continue to die for our freedom. May you bless each of their souls. And furthermore, may George Bush retire now!!!

Posted by: Mary Location: WI on Jul 9, 2008 at 06:18 PM
I LOVE YOU BILLY!!! You are my hero!

Posted by: tabatha Location: frankfort on Jul 9, 2008 at 05:52 PM
THIS IS SO SAD- - however i pray his fmaily and his young wife. i know this must be hard time..keep god in ur heart and i promise everyone will get through this. ill defently keep yall in my prayers.

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