Millard "Dee" Orem, III
Millard "Dee" Orem, III Obituary
Millard “Dee” Orem III, 75, of Opelika, passed away June 29, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise and M.D. Orem, Jr., sister Vickie Orem and his much-loved pets, “Snoopy” and “Boo Boo”.
He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Shivers Orem, by his sisters, Wanda (Andy) Gorum of Jacksons Gap and Gail Orem of Robertsdale, and two nieces and one nephew.
After graduating from Troy State University in 1973, Dee came to Lyman Ward Military Academy (now Southern Preparatory Academy) with the ink still wet on his Teachers Certificate. It was the beginning of a 44-year career at Lyman Ward, one in which he would wear many hats. First and foremost, he would be the senior history teacher, teaching a range of subjects. The first day of classes, the seniors glued his desk drawers shut. But, ever the cool one, he improvised and never missed a beat. The ability to go with the flow and adjust to change would serve him well for the next 44 years, as Head Varsity Football Coach, Junior Varsity Coach, founder of the online advanced placement program as well as Special Studies Teacher for those cadets who fell a little behind. After hours he patrolled the barracks, answering questions right and left. Some nights he didn’t come home until after 10:00 p.m. Luckily, he had a very supportive wife, who made a career of helping Dee succeed. He married the school’s librarian (yours truly), because he really like books, but really loved the librarian.
After retiring from football, Dee continued to teach and run the concession stand with the assistance of Mr. Tommy Lee Holley. Tommy Lee didn’t just make hamburgers – he made heaven on a bun which we called the Tommy Lee Burger. Dee and Tommy Lee went through several grills a season, and, every summer they made a special trip to Lowe’s to buy new grills. Everyone knew them, so they didn’t have to ask for the discount – like God’s grace, it just came.
After retiring in 2017, Dee was FINALLY able to sleep late sometimes, and even go out for a nice lunch with his wife, or meet once a month with his cronies for pub night – something he truly enjoyed and cherished.
In 2026 Dee was diagnosed with an advanced stage of lymphoma and given only weeks to live. With the help of many people, especially our neighbors the Schwenk Family – Bill, Jennifer, Susan and Vin, and Paul Kuhn among others, The Lord granted mine and Dee’s prayer that Dee might be able to stay at home until he passed away peacefully, after one last cigarette.
His last day on earth, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gunn came to our home and Mr. Gary gave Dee a spa-like, professional shave, while Dee sat comfortably in his recliner.
Dee’s memorial service was held, Friday, July 3rd at The Chapel on the campus of Southern Preparatory Academy in Camp Hill, Alabama. A reception followed. The arrangements for the service were made by Col. Albert Hovey, Rev. Jeff Damron, who delivered the message, and Mr. Steve Edmonds who delivered the eulogy. Mrs. Amanda Kelly was the pianist. Mr. Christian Weckwert secured the services of the Piper, who opened and closed the service with “Amazing Grace”, a fitting hymn for someone like Dee, who had lived his life with such amazing grace.