Alabama lost a true statesman on Thursday.
State Rep. Steve McMillan (R-Foley) passed away at 80 after a long and storied career in the Alabama House of Representatives.
McMillan succumbed to brain cancer after a diagnosis earlier this year.
The Baldwin County lawmaker, whose House District 95 includes Foley, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Magnolia Springs, Orange Beach, Robertsdale and Summerdale, announced his retirement last July.
He was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in a 1980 special election to fill the unexpired term of his twin brother, John McMillan, who resigned the post upon being appointed as commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Steve McMillan went on to win 10 more terms after the 1980 special election win and oversaw the explosion of growth that continues to be underway in South Baldwin County.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) said on Twitter, “Tonight, I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Rep. Steve McMillan. He was AL’s longest-serving House member, representing the people of Baldwin Co. for 42 years. Our thoughts & prayers are with his wife, Gayle, & his family during this time.”
House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) touted McMillan's career in the legislature and highlighted his work on behalf of the Gulf State Park on the boundary of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
"Throughout his 42 years in the Alabama House of Representatives, Rep. Steve McMillan worked tirelessly to serve the needs of his Baldwin County constituents and make Alabama an even better place to live, work, worship and raise a family," Ledbetter said in a statement issued late Thursday. "His integrity and demeanor earned him the trust of House members on both sides of the aisle, and he worked effectively with Republicans and Democrats alike.
"Every House Speaker under whom he served respected his opinion and was influenced by his counsel. When Rep. McMillan spoke, his colleagues listened. Steve McMillan’s legacy will live on in the scores of legislators he mentored and advised, the important measures he sponsored and passed, and the Lodge at Gulf State Park that he worked so hard for so many years to make a reality."
Ledbetter said that McMillan's was a life well-lived and that the members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus join him in lifting up the McMillan family, asking God to give them strength and consolation in the days ahead.
Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia) spoke on McMillan’s mentorship and commitment to the people of his district.
“Because of his experience in the House, Steve was a mentor to many members through the years and he was a close friend and trusted advisor to me,” McCutcheon said. “He wasn’t afraid to take unpopular stands as long as it benefited or protected the people in his district. My wife Deb and I send out heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Gulf Coast Legislative Delegation Director Cliff McCollum wrote on social media, “Without fear of contradiction, he was hands down the best elected official at handling constituent service that I’ve ever seen. He made it his personal mission to do whatever he could for anyone that called, even if they weren’t actually in his district or even this state. And even if he couldn’t actually do anything governmental to help them, he would always be there to listen and let them express their frustrations and try to comfort them.”
McMillan’s funeral will be held May 7 at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church.
In January, McMillan announced he would not be seeking reelection. His vacant seat will be filled in the November general election.
Frances Holk-Jones, Michael Ludvigsen and Reginald Pulliam are all running in the Republican primary on May 24. The winner will face Democrat Richard David Brackner Jr. in the Nov. 8 general election.
Brandon Mosely contributed to this story.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
