Wayne Harold McMillan

Wayne Harold McMillan, 75, of Forbestown, California, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children and great friends on Friday, March 6, 2026. Born on February 22, 1951, Wayne lived a life defined by hard work, deep faith, generous spirit, and an abiding love for the people around him. He was a devoted father, a pastor, a skilled craftsman, and a friend to anyone who needed one. At eighteen, Wayne answered his country’s call, enlisting in the United States Navy and serving honorably from 1969 to 1971 during the Vietnam War era, then continuing as a reservist until 1975. He was stationed aboard the USS Samuel Gompers, serving as a boiler room technician and machinist — essential, unglamorous work that suited his character perfectly. After his service, he spent years as a Machinist in a factory before following his true calling: he opened Wayne’s Buggy Repair first in Orange County and later in Yuba City, California, a shop dedicated to classic Volkswagen air-cooled vehicles. There he built engines from scratch, restored vintage Beetles, and later crafted custom VW Trikes, turning a passion into a livelihood and a garage into a place where his children learned what it meant to take something broken and make it whole again. Faith was not simply something Wayne practiced — it was the foundation upon which he built everything else. A devout Christian throughout his life, he served his church community with the same quiet diligence he brought to everything. He led the food ministry at his church, ensuring that the hungry and forgotten were looked after, and he shared the Gospel freely and without hesitation — over meals, on long rides aboard his beloved VW Trike, and in every corner of daily life. He loved praise music, and in his final chapter took up the bass guitar to play in his church’s worship band, still learning, still growing, still showing up for others until the very end. Beyond his work and ministry, Wayne was a gentle and generous soul with a gift for storytelling and a seemingly endless well of patience. He spent countless hours fishing for trout on the rivers, streams, and lakes of the northern Sierra Nevada, tended a flourishing garden with a natural green thumb, and delighted in card games around a table filled with family and laughter. He had a tinkerer’s mind and a teacher’s heart, and he was never happier than when he was passing on something he knew to someone willing to learn. What he called “Wind Therapy” — long rides through the open countryside with friends — was less a hobby than a form of worship. Wayne is survived by his longtime companion, Melody Coleman; his three children Darius McMillan, Sarah Dozor, and James and their spouses; grandchildren, Claire, Eden, Benjamin, Cannon, Rebekah, Nicholas, and Cora; his brothers, Steve McMillan and Eugene McMillan; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Doris. Wayne fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will be cherished for generations to come. Services A graveside burial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Keystone Cemetery in Dobbins. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Hillside Community Church in Brownsville. All who knew and loved Wayne are warmly welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to the Yuba Sutter food bank, where Wayne would collect food to distribute to those in need. https://yubasutterfoodbank-bloom.kindful.com/

Wayne Harold McMillan

February 22, 1951 - March 6, 2026

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Wayne Harold McMillan

February 22, 1951 - March 6, 2026

Flowers & Gifts

What We Do

About Us

Grief & Healing

Services

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

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