Thomas O. Millner

With deep sadness and abiding gratitude for the gift of his love, the family of Thomas Oscar Millner, 79, announces his passing into the presence of his Savior on October 28th. He was the spouse and 45-year life-partner of Raymond Garassino.

Born in Danville, VA, on September 29,1946 to the late Oscar E. Millner and Lena (Davis) Millner. He attended local schools and was graduated from Campbell University with a B.S. in Biology. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Organizational Dynamics.

Tom worked for 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry. His career enabled him to live in New York City, Milford, CT, Philadelphia, PA, Chadds Ford, PA and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Upon retiring from pharmaceuticals, he then fulfilled a lifelong dream of pastoral ministry, and he was Senior Pastor of Spiritsong Church in Fort Lauderdale until 2013. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2006, and he and Ray moved to the Millner Farm in Providence, NC in 2013. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Danville, VA, and was an active member of the choir until his physical challenges forced him to stop singing. Despite these limitations, Tom never lost his sense of humor and love of Dad Jokes and puns. Tom wrote a book, titled “The Thriving Heart,” with reflections on gratefully coping with the slow and gradual loss of movement.

Besides his spouse, he is survived by his sons Thomas Chadwick Millner of Chipley, FL, Joel Ryan Millner (Krystl) of Providence, NC, Jahan Matthew Garassino of Plantation, FL, and Ahsha Garassino-Millner of Carey, NC. He is also survived by granddaughters Mackenzie Millner, Vanessa Noel, Londyn Millner, Valyn Millner and grandson Maverick Millner. Additional survivors include a great-granddaughter Elena Rae Noel, and his former wife, Melody Joy Hilliard Millner. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Jeanette Millner Collie.

The family will receive guests at First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10-11 AM, with a service immediately following, officiated by Rev. Ryan Busby. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church, 871 Main Street, Danville, VA 24541 (or www.FBCDanville.com), or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P. O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (or at www.michaeljfox.org/donate).