Gene Millard, a legendary basketball coach and former Ohio State player, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 90.
Millard had an extraordinary career, leading Bexley High School to a state championship in 1983 and amassing 496 wins over his coaching tenure.
He was also a standout player at Ohio State from 1953 to 1957, serving as team captain and scoring the first-ever basket at St. John Arena in 1956.
After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching. He led Bexley High School for 33 seasons and secured 496 wins, 15 league championships, and eight district titles.
His crowning achievement was guiding Bexley to the 1983 Class AA state championship.
Gene Millard And His Wife, Sally, Established A Foundation In Memory Of Their Child, Becky!
Gene Millard was married to Sally Millard, who was born on February 15, 1935, in Dayton, USA.
They met in 8th grade, and their relationship grew stronger into a lifetime partnership.
The beautiful couple tied the knot on March 19, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, and shared an incredible 68 years of marriage.
Sally was deeply involved in the Bexley community and worked in real estate in Columbus.
Moreover, she was known for her support of Bexley athletics and was considered a “second mother” to many athletes.
Together, they had four children: Todd, Becky, Michael, and Mindy.
Their eldest child was Todd Millard, who graduated from Wittenberg University in 1981. Later, he became a regional manager for Pepsi in Michigan.
Becky Attwood, the second child, studied dental hygiene at Ohio State University. Tragically, she passed away on June 24, 1987, at the age of 23, in a 1987 plane crash.
In 1989, Gene and Sally established the Bexley High School Athletic Hall of Fame in her memory.
Similarly, Michael Millard, their third child, played basketball at John Carroll University and graduated with honors.
The youngest one, Mindy Millard, was a junior at Bexley High School at the time of earlier reports.
Sadly, Sally passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family in Bexley, Ohio.
However, the recent updates on their children’s activities are limited, but it is known that the Millard family remains deeply connected to the Bexley community.
Their contributions to education and athletics continue through the Bexley High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
The Bexley Community Is Mourning The Loss Of Legendary Coach Gene Millard!
Following Gene Millard’s passing, many in the basketball community shared heartfelt tributes to honor his legacy.
Ryan Pedon, Illinois State’s men’s basketball coach and former Bexley player, described Millard as a “legend in our town,” saying:
He was a legend in our town,I was a basketball freak growing up, and he was the gold standard in our town as a coach, as a figure, as a leader. He was a guy I just looked up to for a lot of different reasons, and he was a close family friend.
John Betz, a former player and assistant coach, remembered Millard’s signature look and said:
It’s like when your dad gets upset with you, he looks at you and he doesn’t have to say anything, but you know he still loves you, He cared so much about all of us.
Moreover, one of the coaches described him as a great coach, saying:
Gene Millard was a great man and coach. He impacted the lives of hundreds of young people. RIP and prayers to your family.
His legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and coaches.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Gene Millard’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Gene Millard was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
- He was a board member of the Ohio District 10 Basketball Coaches Association for 12 years.
