He and his wife, Mary, were high school sweethearts.
Known in Richland County for his generosity and philanthropy, Milliron established the Milliron Foundation.
“That’s my goal, to deposit a lot of these funds into that foundation so after I’m gone there will be a longtime history of being able to help people. What makes this foundation different, most foundations help other charities. With my foundation, I can help individuals,” he said. “We would be the last stop. If all else fails, we would then consider an application.”
Milliron said God had a purpose for him in 1954, but he was initially slow to recognize it.
“I used to tell people when they asked me what I did (that) I handled society’s discards.”
Retiring Shelby Schools Superintendent Tim Tarvin said he considered Milliron a dear friend and not just to the Shelby City Schools but to the entire community of Shelby and Richland County.
“Mr. Milliron had tremendous heart and passion to help others. He was a philanthropist in the truest sense. He was humble and extremely generous but he really preferred his work to remain private. He didn’t need or want credit for the many, many accomplishments and things he did to help others,” Tarvin said.
“We lost a giant and I will miss his friendship, sly sense of humor and wisdom,” he added.
Shelby fire Chief Mike Thompson said Milliron left the citizens of Shelby an unbelievable gift with the new fire station.
“It benefits the entire community and surrounding communities,” Thompson said Wednesday.
“I never met a more community-minded, humble and giving person in my life,” he added.
“He never wanted publicity,” he said. “I’m not sure the City of Shelby will ever see a gift to the people of that magnitude again, just from the heart,” he said.
A ‘pall of grief has fallen upon our fair city’
Shelby Mayor Scott Schag said, “An entirely unexpected pall of grief has fallen upon our fair city. As the hours elapse and the news of Grant Milliron’s passing spreads, it seems as though we all are experiencing a personal and painful bereavement.
“Virtually everywhere you turn in the Shelby community, Mr. Milliron has left his unmistakable imprint. His larger-than-life legacy is one of faith, family, and inexhaustible charity. The City of Shelby will always remember him with respect, fondness, and appreciation,” Schag said.
“We join the thousands of Richland County residents who are praying for God’s consolation and comfort to be poured out upon his dear family members and innumerable number of friends,” Schag said.
State Rep. Marilyn John, R-Shelby, who also serves as Richland County Republican Party chairman, said Milliron will be greatly missed.
“He was an icon in our area and will remain an icon to many people and I personally appreciate his philanthropy and community involvement. He sat on the stage with presidents.
“It’s just amazing what he’s contributed to the landscape of our city, our county, our state and our country,” she said.
John said she prays for his family, his children and grandchildren, so many that she and her family have known personally.
“So incredibly blessed to have known him and have him a part of our community. I certainly hope we all learn many life lessons from him,” John said.
Funeral services have not yet been announced.
lwhitmir@gannett.com
419-521-7223
Twitter: @lwhitmir
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