Harry Million

Harry Million, 79, of Philomath passed away on March 14, 2012, after a long illness, with his family at his side. Harry was known to his childhood friends as “Bitsy.” Upon graduation with his diploma from Bradley High School in Cleveland, Tenn., on May 12, 1950, Bitsy joined the U.S. Air Force. On June 4, 1950, Bitsy married his high school sweetheart, Jo Anne Sells, a marriage that continued for 62 years, until his death. In the USAF, Bitsy became known as “Hal.” After joining the AF and starting his family, Hal was a student at multiple colleges and universities across the United States. His studies included successfully completed classes at the University of Southern California while stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside, Calif., from 1959 through 1963. In 1961 and 1962, Hal completed courses through the USAF Institute (Madison, Wis.). Hal and Jo Anne’s union was blessed with their first child, a daughter, on June 1, 1952. On Oct. 29, 1954, their second child, a son, was born. In 1963, Hal, already an accomplished navigator in B-47 bomber aircraft, was trained in B-52 bombers at Strategic Air Command bases in Atwater and Sacramento, Calif. After completion of his training in B-52s, Hal was stationed at Griffiss AFB in Rome, N.Y. While in Rome, Hal successfully completed classes at Mohawk Community College in Utica, N.Y., and moved on to study at the Utica College of Syracuse University. In 1967, Hal graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from Syracuse University in New York state. Throughout his military career, Hal continued to distinguish himself, and over the years worked his way from an enlistee to a graduate of Officer Candidate School with the title of 1st Lieutenant. Upon retirement from the AF in July of 1979, Hal had attained the status of Lieutenant Colonel with his own command at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Mont. Once retired, Hal was assistant city manager of the City of Great Falls, and went on to serve the citizens of Philomath as their city manager. Hal’s death came after a long period of debilitating illness. Although he had emphysema and Alzheimer’s disease, Hal was true to his gentle spirit through his dying day. Hal leaves behind his wife, Jo Anne Sells Million, to whom he had been married for 62 years. He also leaves behind his son, Lee; his daughter, Deborah; grandsons Chris and Daniel Million; and grand-daughters Ruby Chopwood and Kira Million Madrid. Hal is survived by his sister, Edith Lynn Pryde, and her children, Karen Pryde Livingston, Janet Pryde Haley and Vickie Lynn Pryde Foster, David and Scott Pryde, and Charles and Randy Sells. Hal is also survived by his cousin, Gene Hilliard. A visitation is set for 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at Circle Church of Christ (Kings and Circle boulevards). A funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. at the church.

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Harry Million

September 25, 1932 - March 14, 2012