William "Bill" Norman Milner Sr.

William “Bill” Norman Milner, Sr. was born Saturday, January 24, 1942, to James Kermit Milner and Esther Belle Milner in Little Rock, Arkansas. He went to the Lord on Thursday, January 24, 2019, in Plano, Texas.

Kermit and Esther Belle Milner had two sons. Jim was the oldest, and Bill was the youngest. Bill was a daddy’s boy! His father taught him how to pitch, and especially how to throw a curve ball. Bill was very competitive, and he loved all sports. He was adored by his grandmother, the matriarch of the family. As a child he had a great imagination. He was very active, created fun, and loved life.

He graduated from Benton High School in 1960 and then attended Harding University on a basketball scholarship. He graduated with a BA in 1965.

He went on to pursue his career as a computer programmer, systems analyst and consultant for over 41 years. Bill was always loved and respected in his jobs. He was detailed, focused, and was always known as a sincere hard worker.

During his time at Harding University he met his best friend, and the love of his life, Phyllis Jane (Janie) Hulett. He made her his life partner on February 2, 1963. They were married for almost 56 glorious years. He was the love of Jane’s life, and he filled her life with such happiness. He made her a better person, and she is very thankful that God gave him to her to love and to cherish. He made her feel important, special, needed. She never doubted the love he had for her. He loved to travel with her, and they went on many wonderful adventures together all over the world.

They had one son, William Norman Jr., whom he named after himself. He was a fabulous father who always took time to play and to teach his son. He was extremely proud of Bill Jr., and especially of his career as an ER Doctor. Bill Jr. now resides in Austin, Texas. He greatly loved Janie and Bill Jr., and he would do anything for the two of them. His imagination kept their little family laughing and having fun. Christmas was the best! They had several lawn deer. He would put out the deer with a new original story each Christmas. Their neighbor next door had a little girl, who is now in college. She said she couldn’t wait until the deer appeared because to her that was the beginning of Christmas. Bill would make up treasure hunts for the family to search for their Christmas gifts. The family was an independent but cohesive loving team of three. Janie and Bill Jr. will miss him terribly.

He had a best buddy from high school and throughout his life, Dave Crawford, who was like his brother. Their golf stories could fill the pages of books. They had the rare gifts of great brotherly love, loyalty and trust.

Bill loved golfing and was known to be on the golf course several times a week. He played all the courses on Maui, and many in England and Scotland. He loved baseball, basketball, fishing, and early in his life, hunting. He was a great writer and had a brilliant way with words. He loved to listen to music, especially music from the 60’s like Buddy Holly and the Platters. You could find him watching Peter Sellers or Laurel and Hardy movies, and comedies such as Overboard and Princess Bride. He loved the musical Phantom of the Opera. He was member and deacon at the Church of Christ in Sherman, Texas and was later a member of the Church of Christ on McDermott Road in Plano, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents James Kermit Milner and Esther Belle (Jones) Milner, and is survived by his older brother Jim Milner. The family cat Cotton was beloved and lived with them for 19 years.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his soulmate Janie Milner, his son, Bill Jr., his beloved granddaughter, Emma Victoria Milner, and his best friend, Dave Crawford.

Services for William “Bill” Norman Milner Sr. will be held on Sunday January 27, 2019 at 2 PM at the Church of Christ on McDermott Road. Graveside burial will be Tuesday January 29, 2019, at 2 PM at the Cedar Park Cemetery in Cedar Park, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you donate in William Milner's honor to organization listed below.