RIP - Terry McMillan

[jlrich]

Terry Lee McMillan, age 53 of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, passed away Friday, February 2, 2007. He was born October 12, 1953 in Lexington, North Carolina.

One of country music’s most sought after session musicians, Terry had a distinctive bluesy style, was a phenomenal harmonica player and talented drummer. He began his professional career in 1973 with a touring band. After disbanding he got a job in Eddy Raven’s band until 1975 when Chet Atkins hired him to play harmonica. He stopped touring in 1976 and concentrated more on session work. In the 1980’s, Terry made solo recordings for RCA but soon returned to session work. He played on countless recordings with artists such as Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Neil Young and many others. In 1993, as a member of the band that played at President Clinton’s inaugural ball, he made a great impression with his harmonica version of “Amazing Grace.”
Survivors:
Wife: Debbie Carver McMillan
Children: Sara Lane Harrelson, Adam Tyler McMillan, Lucas Andrew McMillan
Grandchildren: Nicholas Tyler Miller and Charlie Evelyn Harrelson
Father: Bob McMillan
Brother: Cameron McMillan
Step-daughter: Tonya Hanson
Step-grandchildren: Coltin Ty Huskey, Bryson and Dylan Hanson

Funeral service 11 AM Wednesday in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Darrel McClaren officiating. Interment will follow in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 4-8 PM Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, Tennessee. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)