Thomas “TJ” James McMillan of Rising Sun, MD, age 22, passed away tragically on Friday, November 2, 2018. He was born in Lancaster, PA on July 20, 1996 to Jamie Donald McMillan and Amy (Bauguess) McMillan.
TJ graduated from Rising Sun High School in 2015. He went on to attend Cecil College full time, pursing his degree in computer programming and game design. He was a member of the national honor society, Alpha Alpha Theta. TJ led a bible study group and was a member of the GBC, a model club, both through Cecil College. He was a very active member at Conowingo Baptist Church, working the sound system for services and a member of the college and career church group.
A talented young man, TJ built and painted Gundam models. He enjoyed playing airsoft and was a train enthusiast. TJ was happy and fun-loving person, described as a “shining star” who could light up a room with his smile. Above all, TJ was very strong in his faith and helped others before helping himself. He never let his disability stop him from achieving his goals. TJ preached about his autism, saying that his disability was really an ability to reach people through Christ. He witnessed to the very end, when the emergency crews took home the word through the gospel tracks that he always carried with him.
TJ is survived by his parents, Jamie and Amy McMillan; brother, Austin McMillan, sister, Eden and Corey Barton; niece, Everly Barton; nephew, Liam Barton; maternal grandmother, Susan and Tom Stephens; paternal grandfather, JD and Margaret McMillan; paternal grandmother, Robin and Bill Brueckman; two uncles: Adam and Jennifer McMillan and Ron and Tracy Bauguess; maternal aunt, Wanda and Mike Maturo; and numerous cousins. TJ is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Thomas J. Bauguess.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Conowingo Baptist Church, 151 Rock Springs Rd., Conowingo, MD 21918. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Conowingo Baptist Church, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Conowingo Baptist Church” which will be designated towards building the Thomas McMillan Outreach Center. Please send the donations in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, PO Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.