Shelby entrepreneur, philanthropist Grant Milliron will be remembered as local 'icon'
SHELBY ― Local entrepreneur and philanthropist Grant Milliron will long be remembered for his generosity and giving heart throughout Richland County.
Milliron, 88, died Wednesday.
Milliron founded the Milliron Recycling company at age 18.
With one acre of land and 12 cars, he built successful recycling and auto parts companies.
In 2022, Milliron sold Milliron Recycling to Australian steelmaker Blue Scope Recycling Mansfield.
Of his success in business, Milliron said, "We (he and God) planted the seed for the company in 1954. And He has nurtured it and let it grow until now."
Milliron, a man of strong faith, explained why he sold the business during an interview with the News Journal in August 2022.
"Now it's time to harvest it. That's Scripture. Why am I harvesting it now? that's the question people would like to know. It's very simple. No succession plan. No more family. My oldest son (J.R.) has been here 47 years and he's thinking about retiring. George Will is our operations manager. He's been here over 40 years. And George is the man that made this company what it is."
In that interview at his business, Milliron said he is not "retiring. If you read the Bible, it says we are to labor continually."
Milliron's businesses employed hundreds of people in recycling and waste management. He won approval for two public-supported zoning changes. He had an industrial shredder installed and in 1997, he persuaded Richland County to build a landfill.
According to News Journal archives, he was called a self-educated entrepreneur, and had been referred to as a "brilliant metallurgist," "an expert in environmental protection legislation," and "the definition of integrity." He gave his time and gave to charity, having served on numerous boards.
He was known for his charitable contributions to the Friendly House, 380 N. Mulberry St. in Mansfield, most recently building the nonprofit agency known for its after-school programs and Happy Hollow and Hidden Hollow camps, a new parking lot and cascading waterfall for all to enjoy along Springmill Street. He was also Santa for many a Christmas party at Friendly House.
Terry Conard, executive director of Friendly House, said Milliron changed the entire community.
"It will never be the same. You couldn't have asked for a nicer guy. Always something positive to say. He will be missed. He was a friend of Friendly House for many, many years, long before I was here."
Milliron formed his own foundation to help others
Milliron and his wife, Mary, were high school sweethearts.
Known in Richland County for his generosity and philanthropy, Milliron established the Milliron Foundation.
"That's my goal, to deposit a lot of these funds into that foundation so after I'm gone there will be a longtime history of being able to help people. What makes this foundation different, most foundations help other charities. With my foundation, I can help individuals," he said. "We would be the last stop. If all else fails, we would then consider an application."
Milliron said God had a purpose for him in 1954, but he was initially slow to recognize it.
"I used to tell people when they asked me what I did (that) I handled society's discards."
Local residents share thoughts about Grant Milliron
Retiring Shelby Schools Superintendent Tim Tarvin said he considered Milliron a dear friend and not just to the Shelby City Schools but to the entire community of Shelby and Richland County.
"Mr. Milliron had tremendous heart and passion to help others. He was a philanthropist in the truest sense. He was humble and extremely generous but he really preferred his work to remain private. He didn't need or want credit for the many, many accomplishments and things he did to help others," Tarvin said.
"We lost a giant and I will miss his friendship, sly sense of humor and wisdom," he added.
Shelby fire Chief Mike Thompson said Milliron left the citizens of Shelby an unbelievable gift with the new fire station.
"It benefits the entire community and surrounding communities," Thompson said Wednesday.
"I never met a more community-minded, humble and giving person in my life," he added.
"He never wanted publicity," he said. "I'm not sure the City of Shelby will ever see a gift to the people of that magnitude again, just from the heart," he said.
A 'pall of grief has fallen upon our fair city'
Shelby Mayor Scott Schag said, “An entirely unexpected pall of grief has fallen upon our fair city. As the hours elapse and the news of Grant Milliron’s passing spreads, it seems as though we all are experiencing a personal and painful bereavement.
"Virtually everywhere you turn in the Shelby community, Mr. Milliron has left his unmistakable imprint. His larger-than-life legacy is one of faith, family, and inexhaustible charity. The City of Shelby will always remember him with respect, fondness, and appreciation," Schag said.
"We join the thousands of Richland County residents who are praying for God’s consolation and comfort to be poured out upon his dear family members and innumerable number of friends," Schag said.
State Rep. Marilyn John, R-Shelby, who also serves as Richland County Republican Party chairman, said Milliron will be greatly missed.
"He was an icon in our area and will remain an icon to many people and I personally appreciate his philanthropy and community involvement. He sat on the stage with presidents.
"It's just amazing what he's contributed to the landscape of our city, our county, our state and our country," she said.
John said she prays for his family, his children and grandchildren, so many that she and her family have known personally.
"So incredibly blessed to have known him and have him a part of our community. I certainly hope we all learn many life lessons from him," John said.
Funeral services have not yet been announced.
lwhitmir@gannett.com
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Twitter: @lwhitmir
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Shelby fire Chief Mike Thompson said he never et a more humble person
