Raymond Ellsworth McMillen, Jr of Newton, Wellesley and Waltham passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026 after a brief illness. He was 83. He was the oldest and much loved son of the late Raymond E., Sr. and Mary E. (Welch) McMillen.
Ray was married to the late Laura E. (Fullerton) McMillen and was the loving father of Lauray McMillen, proud grandfather of her sons, Aron and Freddy and his step-sons and their families.
He is also survived by four brothers, Daniel (Agnes) of Taunton, Richard (Christine) of Newton, Donald of Waltham, and John (William) of Bradenton, Florida, and one sister, M. Patricia of Waltham. He was pre-deceased by his youngest brother, Robert.
Ray was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marines. He attended (graduated with an associate's degree from) Newton Jr. College. He earned a Master's degree from Goddard-Cambridge Graduate Program in Social Change.
Ray used his education and life's experience to work as a counselor for the State of Massachusetts.
He was always willing to engage in philosophical and challenging debate as well as pleasant conversation. Ray was a peaceful spirit. He was known for being able to easily diffuse difficult or tense situations.
His charm, sense of humor, and his easygoing personality followed him wherever he went. His interest in music and his ability to remember songs as far back as the Big Band Era was a tremendous gift to him and others.
The residents and staff at Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center were extremely fond of Ray. He was loved by all, and his absence will be deeply felt.