Biography:

Andrew T. “Tom” McMillin III, 85, died on July 1, 2026, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on December 12, 1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Belle Cox McMillin and Andrew T. McMillin Jr. He grew up in Little Rock and Hot Springs and graduated from Hot Springs High School.

Tom attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and married the love of his life, Clara Dean Stoddard. They returned to Little Rock where Tom worked as a structural engineer for Garver Engineers for 35 years, designing projects throughout Arkansas and the surrounding states. After retiring in 2003 he founded McMillin Engineering and continued consulting for another eight years.

Tom was a faithful and devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock from 1962 until the end of his life. Many parishioners remember him as the first person they met at the church, greeting them at the door with a broad smile and warm hug. He was genuinely interested in their life stories. He served in many roles at church including on the vestry and stewardship committee and as an usher, youth leader, Sunday school volunteer, nursery volunteer, centering prayer participant, and member of the Bread Brigade.
In 1981 Tom became one of the first people in Arkansas to complete the Education for Ministry program through the University of the South.

As a young person Tom loved spending summers at Camp Mitchell on Petit Jean Mountain where he formed lifelong friendships. Years later he served as chair of the architectural committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas and donated his professional expertise to projects at Camp Mitchell, St. Mark’s, and other churches throughout the state.
Tom was endlessly curious and loved to learn. He read widely from military history and theology to Jane Austen, and was rarely without a book. His many interests included model railroads, stamp collecting, music, war games, board games, jigsaw puzzles, photography, playing bridge, and genealogy.

Above all, Tom treasured his family. During 67 years of marriage, he faithfully supported Dean in her work at St. Mark’s and as manager of The BookMark. He was a devoted father who loved reading, playing competitive board games, helping with homework, and navigating family life with patience and humor. As the father of four girls, he was known to carry a purse or doll when needed, usually with a sheepish grin.

Tom carefully planned family vacations from coast to coast and instilled in his daughters a spirit of curiosity and exploration. In later years, he delighted in taking his grandchildren on summer trips.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Belle Cox McMillin and Andrew T. McMillin Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Dean McMillin; his daughters, Kathryn Walbert (Allen), Kimberly Brass (Doug), Andrea McMillin (Scott), and Laura Lewis (Steve); his grandchildren, Andrew (Megumi), Reid, Lauren, Allison, Kelsey (Noah), Ethan, Sophia, Clara, Samantha, and Margaret; his great-grandchildren, Lucy and Theo; and his brother, Frank C. McMillin (Cindy).

A service celebrating Tom’s life will be held Friday, July 10, 2026 at 1 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi Street, Little Rock. A reception will follow.

Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Foundation, 1000 North Mississippi Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207, or to St. Francis House, 2701 South Elm Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.