Richard Lynn McMillian

Chief Ricky McMillian, native of Belzoni, 56, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 16, 2023. He served as Flowood Chief of Police since 2018, a dedicated officer of thirty-five years, and was an honored member of the Flowood community. 

Chief McMillian’s passion for helping others began early in his life. He is a second generation law enforcement officer, following in his father’s footsteps. 

His work within law enforcement was unprecedented. In Belzoni he started his career in 1988 as a patrolman and expanded his service to a narcotics detective, constable, MDOC parole officer, and finally Chief of Police for the Belzoni Police Department, providing three years of leadership to his hometown. 

In 2004, McMillian and his family relocated to Brandon, MS, where he had a career reset and served in the role of patrolman for the Flowood Police Department. He soon moved to the motorcycle unit of the traffic division, an exciting and fun opportunity for him. For Flowood, he again served as a narcotics investigator and was later promoted to Lieutenant over the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2018, he was bestowed the honor of being promoted to Chief of Police for Flowood. During his thirty-five year career, he developed lifelong bonds with those he served with. 

Chief McMillian consistently worked to better himself in his career. Throughout his service, he attended multiple training classes and became a certified investigator, accident reconstructionist, and instructor. He was a member of Leaders Helping Leaders Network and was excited to be a part of this program. Chief McMillian believed that being a police officer required a warrior’s mindset with a servant’s heart: working as an officer, to him, was all about serving the community, and he would host classes to help officers develop this perception of compassion while protecting and serving. He will be remembered not only for his leadership but also for his humility, integrity, Christian values, and passion for intentional servanthood.

He was a man of many sayings, and a few that stand out are “Welllll, good,” “It ain’t funny when the rabbit has the gun,” “Help me help you,” and a special family quote was “Sho do love you, make good grades, and don’t forget you’re a McMillian.”  He loved watching movies and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He developed a love of reading and would often choose books that helped him grow in his spiritual maturity. He was a dedicated member of his church and always looked forward to Sunday school. 

While he was passionate about his work within the community, his true heart centered around spending time with his wife and children. He loved special moments with his grandson, surprising family members with thoughtful gifts and hand-written cards, and playing cards around the family table. He would often take his family to dinner or host a movie night. He always prayed for his children and their future, which he held as a priority. He was a devoted husband, father, and “Big Daddy” to his grandson. 

Chief McMillian is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Donna, his two children, Katan McMillian Holder (Tyler) and Rustin Lynn McMillian and his grandson, Maverick Lee Holder. He is also survived by his brother Michael Ray McMillian (Mary Etta) of Isola and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melva “Sonny” Lynn McMillian and Bonnie Katherine McMillian, and his brother, Robert “Bobby” Cline McMillian.  

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS, and on Wednesday, September 20, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Fannin. A chapel service will be on Wednesday, September 20, at 11:00 AM after visitation at First Baptist Church of Fannin, followed by a graveside service at Fannin Baptist Cemetery.