Ray McMillin, 92 of Grygla, MN passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at his rural residence.

Public visitation will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

Private family service will be held at 1:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with Reverend Timothy Lundeen officiating.

Public graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM at Landstad Cemetery near Gatzke, MN.

Ray D. McMillin was born July 3, 1929 at the farm near Gatzke, MN, son of Harold and Olga (Aune) McMillin. He was baptized and confirmed at United Lutheran Church in Gatzke. He attended school in Gatzke and Middle River.

Ray was united in marriage to Eleanor Ann Aamot on December 11, 1948 in Thief River Falls, MN. The couple made their home on a farm in Rollis Township, rural Gatzke, MN and later made their home in Veldt Township, rural Grygla, MN, where Ray farmed.  Their sons, Gary and Duane, were born while they resided in Minnesota.  The family moved to Goodland, FL in 1953, and in 1960 moved to Chokoloskee, FL where Ray made a living as a commercial fisherman.  In 1962 their son, Randy, was born in Florida.

Ray played a large part in advancing the stone crabbing industry in southwest Florida. He put his farm knowledge to use on his boat and helped make the stone crab harvest much more efficient.  He also trapped blue crabs until he was almost 80 years old.

In 1976 Ray built a log home on his farm in Minnesota and worked during the summers opening his farmland again.  He also pursued his love of horses by raising Percheron draft horses for a few years.  Ray and Eleanor spent their summer months in Minnesota and returned to Florida in the winters.  After 58 years of marriage, Eleanor passed away May 28, 2007.

After Eleanor's passing, Ray was united in marriage to Alethia "Midge" Weeks on July 25, 2015 at his farm near Grygla.  Ray and Midge continued to travel between Minnesota and Florida until it became too difficult for them.  They remained on the farm until his passing.  Midge extended Ray's life many years with her love, care and companionship.

Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, horses, and raising a garden to share with everyone.  He was also a loyal Barn Boy fan.  Above all, he loved farming and passing on his wisdom and stories to his children, grandchildren, and anyone who would listen.  He kept a close watch over the farm from the comfort of his chair up until the end.  Ray was a charter member of the Organized Fishermen of Florida, of which he was the 1 ^st secretary/ treasurer.  He was also a member of United Lutheran Church in Gatzke and the Grygla Lions Club.

Ray is survived by his wife Midge of Grygla, MN; children Gary (Lynn) McMillin of Chokoloskee, FL; Duane (Cecelia) McMillin of Chokoloskee, FL; and Randy (Janelle) McMillin of Grygla, MN; Stepchildren Glenda (Daniel) Smith and Cliff Weeks; grandchildren Corey McMillin, Mallory McMillin, Allen McMillin, Nicole Norris, Heather McMillin, Hailea (Trevor) Page, Hunter (Karlee) McMillin, Hudson McMillin, Jared (Ashley) Schaefer, Brenna (Isaac Olson) Schaefer; 14 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Leonard (Avis) Aamot; and many nieces and nephews.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Harold (Olga) McMillin; wife of 58 years, Eleanor McMillin; granddaughter, Ashley McMillin; brother, Donald (Betty) McMillin; and sisters, Faye (Floyd) Brandt and Maxine (Kenny) Grondahl.

Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com