Letrice “Bea” (Bulich) McMillan, 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Milan on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Bea was a long-time resident of Milan, graduating from Milan High School in 1948. She was born in a coal mining camp in Hayman, Kentucky on Wednesday, November 19, 1930 and shortly thereafter her family moved to Hazard, Kentucky where she would reside until 1947, when her father was finally able to escape the arduous life as a coal miner. Her parents, Thomas and Nellie (Moore) Bulich moved the family to rural Sunman where the family continued to grow and thrive in the Ripley County community for the next 70 years. On May 16, 1953 Bea married the love of her life, James “Jim” McMillan, Sr., a U.S. Navy sailor from Newport, Kentucky. After Jim’s retirement from the Navy in 1965, Jim and Bea moved their four children, back to Milan, where all four children would also graduate from Milan. From those four children came six grandchildren, twenty-plus great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren.
Bea was an active member of Washington Baptist Church in Elrod, the Milan VFW Post, and the Milan American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Bea enjoyed gardening and tending to her flower beds. Her greatest passion in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. Known for her mischievous smile and quick wit, many will remember Bea form her many years behind the counter at the State Bank of Milan and Fifth-Third Bank in Milan.
Although she will be sorely missed by her family and friends, it is comforting to know that she is with our Lord Jesus. Those surviving who will cherish her memories are her children: Jim Jr. (Rachel) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mary Gabbard of Milan, Jack (Vickie) of Milan and Robert (Jonie) of Estacada, Oregon; six grandchildren; twenty-plus great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; brother Tom (Kathy) Bulich of Evansville, Indiana, and many friends.
Bea is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Nellie, as well as her loving husband “Jim” who passed away in 2003, and seven siblings: Jack, Mack, John, Helen Roth, Martin, Dan, and Gail. It is reported that quite a reunion was held upon her arrival in heaven.
Celebrate her homecoming with us at 4:00 PM on Friday, January 14, 2022, with a Ladies Auxiliary service and a graveside service at New Cravens Cemetery, 6930 E County Road 200 N, Milan, IN 47031 with Pastor Bruce Fitzsimmons officiating. But as is customary in her family, there will not be any visitation prior to the graveside service held at the New Cravens Cemetery in Milan.
Memorials may be given in honor of Bea to Margaret Mary Hospice. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral has been entrusted with arrangements, Box 243, Milan, IN 47031, (812) 654-2141. Please visit our website at www.lawscarrmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of Bea.