Harry L. Million, Jr.

Harry Million, Jr. passed away after a long illness with his family at his side on March 14, 2012 at the age of 79. Harry L. "Bitsy" Million was born on September 25, 1932 to Harry (Skeet) Million, Sr. and Dorothy "Dot" Sullivan Million. Born in Cleveland, TN, he passed away in Philomath, Oregon. Both of Harry's parents preceded him in death. Harry was known to his family and childhood friends as "Bitsy". He graduated with a High School diploma from Bradley Central High School on May 12, 1950. Bitsy joined the USAF in 1951 after a short stint at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Later that same year on June 4, 1951 Bitsy married his high school sweetheart Jo Anne Sells, a union that continued for nearly 61 years only to be parted by his death. In the Air Force Bitsy became known to his new colleagues as "Hal". After joining the Air Force and starting his family, Bitsy was a student at multiple colleges and universities, along with his extensive military training, across the United States and in the skies. His studies included successfully completed classes at the University of Southern California while stationed at March AFB in Riverside, CA from 1959-1963. In 1961-1962, Bitsy also completed courses through the United States Armed Forced Institute (Madison, Wisconsin). Harry and Jo Anne's union was blessed with their first child, a daughter, Deborah Lynn on June 1, 1952. On October 29, 1954 their second child, a son, Harry Lee, III was born. In 1963, Bitsy, already an accomplished Navigator in B-47 Bomber Air Craft, was trained in B-52 Bombers at SAC bases in Atwater and Sacramento, CA. After completion of his training in B-52's, Bitsy was stationed at Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY. While in Rome, NY, Bitsy completed classes successfully at Mohawk Community College in Utica, NY, and moved on to study at the Utica College of Syracuse University. In 1967, Bitsy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Syracuse University in New York State. After being stationed in Rome, NY, Bitsy was subsequently stationed on Guam, and then at Great Falls, MT from where he retired in 1979. Throughout his military career, Bitsy continued to distinguish himself, and over the years worked his way from an enlistee to a graduate of OCS with the title of First Lieutenant. Upon retirement from the AF in July of 1979, Bitsy had attained the status of Lieutenant Colonel with his own command at Malmstrom AFB in Great Fall, MT. Once retired, Bitsy served as assistant city manager for the city of Great Falls, MT, and went on to serve the citizens of Philomath, OR as their City Manager. Bitsy's death came after a long period of debilitating illness. Although he had emphysema, and Alzheimer's disease, Bitsy was true to his gentle spirit throughout his life. He leaves behind his wife, Jo Anne Sells Million. He also leaves behind his son, Lee, his daughter, Deborah; grandsons, Chris and Daniel Million; great granddaughters, Ruby Chapwood and Kira Million Madrid. Bitsy is survived by his brother, Benjamin Sullivan Million; sister, Edith Lynn Pryde and her children, Karen Pryde Livingston, Janet Pryde Haley and her son Michael, Vicki Lynn Pryde Foster and her daughters, Brittney and Courtney; David Pryde and daughters, Gabriella and Tara Lynn and Scott Pryde. Bitsy is also survived by nephews, Charles Sells and his daughter Kinsley and son, Charlie and Randall Sells. Bitsy is also survived by his cousins, Gene Hilliard and Sally Sullivan Cook. In addition to those mentioned, Bitsy's passing is mourned by numerous other friends and family members in Cleveland, TN and throughout the world. A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 02, 2012 in Sunset Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Minister Tom Harrison will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Monday, April 02, 2012 at Fike Funeral Home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Million family guestbook at www.fikefh.