GERMANTOWN, Tenn. – The pest control industry mourns the loss of Millard Oldham Jr., who passed away on Sept. 26, at 95. Millard and Ada, his wife of 70 years, founded Oldham Chemicals Co., in 1966.
In addition to founding one of the pest control industry’s leading distributors, the Oldhams were actively involved in local, state and national pest control industry associations. Millard and Ada Oldham were always recognizable at NPMA PestWorld because the couple were almost always together – just as they were in their business.
Millard and Ada, both Arkansas natives, met in college. Both Millard and Ada received bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology from Arkansas State University. Ada started her professional career working in a chemical company lab, while Millard’s career began in chemical sales. In 1966, the couple decided to combine their talents; they left the chemical manufacturing/formulation field to start their own distributorship - Oldham Chemicals. Their daughter, Marsha Reeves, joined Oldham Chemicals, during college, and her husband, Tommy Reeves, came on board with Oldham Chemicals in 1987 (the couple now lead Oldham Chemicals, serving as vice presidents). Oldham Chemicals, now a third-generation business, has grown into one of the largest distributors in the U.S, operating service centers throughout the Southeast.
The Oldhams were recognized as 2009 PCT/Syngenta Crown Leadership Award winners. In the article, Valera Jessee, executive director of the Georgia Pest Control Association and United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association (UPF&DA), said of Millard and Ada Oldham. “There are certain people in this industry whose friendship you value above others. They are the people who have weathered the storms, the folks who have been instrumental in building an industry from its early days to its maturity. All these characteristics are embodied in the Oldhams.”
Millard is survived by wife, Ada, daughter Marsha O. Reeves (Tommy); his sister Mary "Tac" Wilbourn (Edward "Buddy") and his sister-in-law Patricia Marsh; his granddaughter Stephanie O'Briant (Blake), his great granddaughters; Hailey O'Briant, Fallon O'Briant and his great grandson Aiden O'Briant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Millard's memory may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital; and Collierville First Baptist Church, Collierville, TN.
Additional source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/bartlett-tn/millard-oldham-10374519
Remembrances
I had the great fortune of being able to work with Millard for many years through UPFDA. He was witty, charming, and always had the right quip for the occasion. Simply put, he was a true gentleman of our industry. I deeply admired his commitment to his business, to his wonderful family, and to his dear Ada. He was and is a genuine role model. A day interacting with Millard would always end up in the “good day” column. He will be missed. — Steve Levy, Bell Laboratories The history of the pest control industry in the nation cannot be written without dedicating an entire chapter about Millard Oldham. He was part of its growth and professionalism. He dedicated his life to the industry and taught us grace, elegance, loyalty, trust and friendship. He left a legacy that shaped all of us. The passing of people happens when we forget about them; Millard will always be alive in our hearts and history. — Juan, Sylvia and Jackie Angulo, Superior Angran I was deeply saddened to learn of Millard’s passing, but feel truly fortunate that he touched my life, and our industry. I remember meeting him at my first UPFDA meeting in 1991 wherein he was one of our most respected industry leaders. He was truly one of the founders of the modern industry when he and Ada had the foresight and ambition to launch Oldham Chemicals as a full service distributor in 1966. He was engaging and quick-witted, and welcomed newcomers with the grace of the consummate Southern gentleman that he always was. I admired his deep devotion to his family, his long-tenured employee family, and his customers. While we’ll miss him deeply, we can enjoy reflecting on the contributions he made to so many lives. — Cisse Spragins, Rockwell Labs Ltd "Millard was a leader in our Industry that was liked and respected by all. He always had a great smile and good sense of humor. His commonsense leadership helped many of us." — Lon Records, Agri-Turf Distributing “I entered the pest management industry in 1990, and within months I was introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Oldham in Memphis. I will always remember my first meeting with Tommy Reeves and Mr. Oldham. They both sat behind their desks, sinking deeply into their chairs, looking over mountains of folders, invoices, and binders of good old-fashioned computer transaction green ledger paper. From somewhere behind these stacks, I heard a small, sweet, Southern voice say, “Welcome to Memphis. Welcome to Oldham Chemicals. What can we do for you? Since that day, words that come to mind when I think of Mr. Oldham are kindness, honor, commitment, respect, and accountability (if he said he was going to do something, he would). And through it all he always had a smile on his face. Mr. Oldham was the embodiment of all of these adjectives in the way he treated me, our business and our relationship.” – Manny Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, Liphatech |
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