John Donald Millar, MD

John Donald Millar, MD, RADM (Upper), US PHS, Ret., of Murrayville, GA, passed away at his residence Sunday, August 30, 2015 following a brief illness. He was 81 years of age.

Rear Admiral (RADM) Millar was born February 27, 1934, in Newport News, VA.  He graduated from the University of Richmond and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1959. After finishing his residency at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, he accepted a commission with the US Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, GA.
 
In 1966, he was named the Director of CDC’s Smallpox Eradication Program in Africa. Despite obstacles, the program eliminated smallpox by 1970, 18 months sooner than expected. This success provided strong impetus to the World Health Organization (WHO), eventually eliminating smallpox from the globe by 1977; becoming the first disease in history eliminated by human intent. His leadership against domestic disease notably reduced measles, tuberculosis; and childhood lead poisoning.
 
In 1981, he became the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  His efforts produced a “Suggested List of the Ten Leading Occupational Diseases and Injuries” as well as a national prevention strategy for each. Among his prized achievements, was the NIOSH supported project to prevent occupational fatalities in Alaska, the state with the highest occupational fatality rate. In addition, his collaborative effort with the American Psychological Society to address stress and violence in the workplace pioneered the field of Occupational Health Psychology.

His numerous contributions eventually resulted in his appointment as Assistant Surgeon General of the United States. If a single theme ran through the richly varied career of RADM Millar, it would be “dedication to protecting people from the involuntary risks of living and earning a living.”

RADM Millar has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of medicine, most recently, The Distinguished Contribution To Occupational Health Psychology Award 2015, induction into the Safety and Health Hall of Fame International, 1997, The Health Watch Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of minority populations, 1992, the Presidential Citation from the APA, the Surgeon General’s Medallion from the USPHS Commissioned Corps (the services highest honor), The Distinguished Service Medal in 1983 and 1989, and a Special Presidential Citation by President Richard Nixon for smallpox Eradication in Africa, 1972.
 
He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, GA, where he taught Sunday school, played his bass, and sang in the choir. An accomplished musician, he also enjoyed playing for the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra and the Jubal Heirs.
 
RADM Millar was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  He is survived by his “Bride” of 58 years Joan Phillips Millar, his children John Stuart Millar, Alison Millar McMillan and Virginia Millar Helms and his grandchildren, Hannah Millar, John Millar, Alison Millar, Donald Christopher McMillan, Andrew McMillan, Daniel Owen Helms, Amelia Helms and Seth Helms.  Additional survivors include his brother and sister in law Douglas and Anne Millar from Leavenworth, WA, and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday September 5, 2015 at Cleveland First Baptist Church.  The Rev. Bucky Erwin will officiate.  Interment will be at Yonah View Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 250 Cleveland, Georgia 30528.

Online condolences may be made to the family at barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.