Michael McIlwain, DMD, was posthumously honored with the Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award for his profound commitment to children’s health and service to the community. Drs. Scott Anderson and Michael Yarnoz presented the award to his sister, Dr. Laura Cruse.

Dr. McIlwain, affectionately known as "Mike," earned his dental and pediatric dentistry degrees from the University of Florida. A Diplomate and Fellow of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, he was known for his exceptional skill and compassionate care. He joined the family practice, McIlwain Dentistry, founded by his uncle, Dr. James McIlwain, where he helped expand it into a multispecialty practice, all while preserving a warm, family-centered environment.

Beyond the office, Mike gave generously of his time to the Tampa Bay Cleft and Craniofacial Center and was an active member of several professional organizations. His passion for soccer never faded—he coached with Tampa Bay United for over a decade, including 12 years with his son Grayson’s team, always ready to support youth players and local teams.

Mike is remembered as a gifted dentist, a dedicated mentor, and a unifying presence in every circle he touched. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he impacted with kindness, skill, and a joyful spirit of service.