Virginia Lee Milian

Lee Milian went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 2, 2026. Lee was born on October 12, 1936, in Salisbury, NC, to Cecil and Mary Virginia Kluttz. Lee was raised in Rowan County and graduated from Richmond Academy High School in Augusta, GA, when the family relocated there. She left home as a young adult to find adventures in Tampa, Florida. There she met the love of her life, Buddy Milian. They married in 1958 and had two sons in Florida before moving to the Raleigh area in 1971. Having lived in Raleigh, Lake Gaston, and Clayton, she and Buddy spent their final years in Raleigh.

Lee was an avid reader and quite an accomplished artist. One of her favorite memories was seeing the Van Gogh exhibit on display in Washington, D.C. Beyond her love of reading and art was her enormous love for her family. She adored her 3 grandsons, doting on them in their growing-up years when she and Buddy lived at Lake Gaston (1991-1999). In addition to working in retail, she was a library assistant for several years at multiple schools in Wake County, and finally at Carroll Middle School in Raleigh. She and Buddy, often accompanied by Lillian and Bill, also enjoyed travelling to the Virginia foothills, Western NC mountains, and North Myrtle Beach. She enjoyed countless hours of card games and dominoes with her family, especially during the Lake years.

Lee was preceded in death by her sister, Martha “Mickey” Lewis, brother-in-law Robert N. Lewis, brother-in-law William Waycaster, and nephews, Robert Lewis Jr. and Michael Waycaster.

Lee is survived by her husband of 67 years, Charles R. “Buddy” Milian; sons Nathan Milian (Sandra) and Chuck Milian (Kim); grandsons C. Nathan Milian (Laura), Josh Milian (Natalie), Caleb Milian (Emma Grace); great grandson Lucas Milian; sister Lillian Waycaster; nieces and nephews Mary Gail Byrd (Bobby), Cecil Lewis, Kimberly Stone (Allen), Kevin Carr (Eileen), David Carr, Billy Waycaster (Janie), Melanie Stegall (Steve), and numerous great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 17 at 11AM from the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh