William Finch “Bill” McMillen, age 71, of Plain City, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 31, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
A registered pharmacist, Bill dedicated his career to the advancement of pharmacy and public service. He retired in 2009 from the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy after 15 years, where he served as Licensing Administrator and Director of Internships. He began his tenure with the board in 1994 as a compliance specialist for southwestern Ohio, conducting inspections and leading both criminal and administrative investigations.
After retiring, he helped establish the Pharmacy Technician Program at Tolles Career Technical Center.
Bill graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1972 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University in 1977. He began his pharmacy career at Ross County Medical Center (now Adena Health) as an intern and later staff pharmacist. In 1979, he became Director of Pharmacy at Memorial Hospital of Union County in Marysville, where he founded the hospital’s Department of Pharmacy.
Of the Methodist faith and a gifted musician, Bill was a member of Mechanicsburg United Methodist Church and served as organist and choir director at Plain City United Methodist Church. Most recently, he was organist and choir director at Catawba United Church. His musical and theatrical talents were well-known in the community and frequently featured in local theater productions and hospital fundraisers.
An active member of his community, Bill belonged to the Marysville Elks Lodge 1130, serving as Exalted Ruler in 1984–85, and was a member of the Plain City Lions Club.
In his youth, Bill was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 6 in Chillicothe, where he earned the Eagle Scout Award, Wood Badge Beads, and was honored as a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He served on the junior staff at Chief Logan Reservation and attended both the 1969 National Jamboree in Idaho and the 1971 World Jamboree in Japan.
In later years, he continued his service to scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 10 in Chillicothe and as a committee member for Troop 90 in Plain City. Bill’s legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will be remembered by all who knew him. He was born March 29, 1954 in Greenfield, Ohio to the late Charles William and Phyllis Jane Mossbarger McMillen.
In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, Ronald Lee McMillen and his grandparents, Lester and Hazel McMillen and Virgil and Pauline Mossbarger.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, DiAnn Topp McMillen whom he married June 19, 1993, at Marysville First United Methodist Church in Marysville; his daughter, Madison “Maddie” Jane McMillen of Madison, Wisconsin; his son, Matthew “Matt” William McMillen of Plain City; a cousin, Douglas (Janet) Gerrard; a brother-in-law, Doug (Barb) Topp.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be at 3 p.m. Friday, August 8, at Underwood Funeral Home where the family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba United Church building fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.
