Benny D Milligan

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. Benny Don Milligan, of Greenwell Springs, passed away on Monday, February 16, surrounded by his loving family. Benny was an unflagging optimist, whose generous spirit and instinctive desire to serve others won him friends wherever he went. He was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable fan of sports of all kinds, and an avid reader who never lost his love of learning. He was a wise counselor, and a gifted teacher. Most of all, he was a devoted and caring husband and father, and a beloved grandfather.

Benny was born in Vidalia, LA., on March 3, 1938. After residing in Lake Charles for some years, his family returned to Vidalia, where he graduated from Vidalia High School in 1956. Benny attended Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated with honors, obtaining a BA in Education. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Mississippi College. After college, Benny returned to Vidalia in 1961, joined the Army reserve, and spent several years teaching math and science at Vidalia Junior High School. He also coached football and basketball, touching many lives. In 1965, he took a job with Science Research Associates (SRA), the educational subsidiary of IBM. During this time, he was privileged to work with many who became some of his most valued and trusted friends. After a distinguished and productive career, Benny retired with 30 years of service to IBM. Benny joined C.J. Brown Realtors as a full-time realtor in 2000. He retired from C.J. Brown in December, 2014, with fond memories of the many fine people with whom he was honored to work.

Benny is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Katherine Tucker Milligan; two sons and their wives, Barry Milligan and Melanie Mitchell, of Baton Rouge, LA., and Brent and Sarah Milligan, of Nashville, TN., and five grandchildren, Ben Milligan, Anna Katherine Milligan, Meghan Milligan, Wren Milligan, and Ian Milligan; brothers Jack Milligan, of Vidalia, LA, Wayne Milligan, of Slidell, LA., and sister Betty Miller, of Saucier, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ike Milligan, Sr., and Hermo Davidson Milligan, and two brothers, Ike Milligan, Jr., and Frank Milligan.

Benny loved his hometown of Vidalia and also wanted to give special thanks to some lifelong friends, Billy Fowler of Jena, Virgil Jackson of Vidalia, Bill McDonough of Vidalia, Leo Landry of Brandon, Jim Kitchen of Baton Rouge, Bob M. Dearing of Natchez, Vernon Ventress of Lafayette, Randy Smith of Baton Rouge, Fred Foster of Natchez, Rev. B.K. Miller of Ruston, and Rev. T.W. Terrell for their constant friendship and many kindnesses over the years. He was also close to his in-laws, especially John Tucker of Winnsboro, Faye Payne of Delhi, Delores Daniel of Monroe, Bob Tucker of West Monroe, and Ray Tucker of Raleigh, NC.

Pallbearers are Billy Fowler, Virgil Jackson, Jr., Leo Landry, Mike Williams, Gus Kinchen, and Bob Tucker. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Kitchen, Vernon Ventress, John Tucker, Danny Daniel, Bob M. Dearing, and Jerry Draayer. Visitation at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, February 19, from 5 to 9pm. Service at Greenoaks Memorial on Friday, February 20, at 12pm.