FOLEY -- State Rep. Steve McMillan, who served Baldwin County for more than 40 years in the Alabama Legislature, died Thursday, April 28 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 81.

On Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey ordered flags throughout the state lowered to half-staff to recognize McMillan.

“Representative McMillan was a dear friend and our state’s longest serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the people of Baldwin County for 42 years,” Ivey said in a statement. “He was a champion for the people of South Alabama and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Gayle, and his family during this time.”

House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, said McMillan was a champion for his constituents and the people of Alabama.

“Because of his experience in the House, Steve was a mentor to many members through the years and he was a close friend and trusted advisor to me,” McCutcheon said. “He wasn’t afraid to take unpopular stands as long as it benefited or protected the people in his district. My wife Deb and I send out heartfelt condolences to his family.”

One of McMillan’s more recent bills that gained national attention was HB-440, signed into law by Ivey in 2017. The bill required all youth residential facilities, including private religious or faith-based organizations, that house children for more than 24 hours to be regulated and licensed by the Human Resources Department. McMillan drafted and introduced the bill after stories of horrific abuse surfaced at several institutions across the state.

McMillan also worked to have the Lodge at the Alabama Gulf State Park built, sponsored legislation to create the Alabama School of Math and Science, created the Alabama Teacher of the Year program and helped bring the William F. Green Veterans Home to Bay Minette.

McMillan took office in 1980 after winning a special election to fill the seat vacated by his brother, John McMillan, who was appointed Alabama commissioner of the conservation and natural resources.

McMillan represented State House District No. 95, which includes Barnwell, Bon Secour, Elberta, Foley, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Josephine, Lillian, Magnolia Springs, Miflin, Ono Island, Orange Beach, Perdido Beach, Robertsdale and Summerdale.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in 1964. McMillan worked with the sale, management, and investment of real estate through McMillan & Associates.

He was a member of civic and professional organizations including the Baldwin County Association of REALTORS, Bay Minette Rotary Club, South Baldwin Farmers Club, Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Foundation Board, Little Lagoon Preservation Society, Fort Morgan Civic Association, the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay and three chambers of commerce.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle, two children: Scott and Jason, and five grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, May 7 at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church.