Milton Knox Mann Jr.

Milton Knox Mann, Jr., 95, of Collierville, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2017. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Martha Haynes Mann; daughter, Betty Mann Edmunds (Brian); son, James Milton Mann, II (Judy), and daughter, Marilyn Mann Hiner (Russ), all of Collierville. He enjoyed watching the family expand with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is third generation of Collierville heritage, the son of Alice Cartwright Mann and Milton Knox Mann, Sr. He graduated from Collierville High then attended Davidson College. As WWII broke out he was called to serve his country proudly in the United States Army Air Corps, rising to the rank of Second Lieutinant, having trained as a pilot flying B-17's, B-24's & B-29's preparing to be shipped overseas when the war ended. After the war, he completed his college education with a degree in Physics from Davidson. Milton and Martha were married on February 7, 1945 and they moved around the country where his army service led him before the new business built from the ground up, Collierville Lumber Company, which provided a comfortable living for his growing family. He was an avid golfer (notably made 2 holes in one after age 70), tennis player, enjoyed scuba diving, hiking, camping and canoeing. After retiring in 1980, he and Martha enjoyed traveling around the country as well as travelling all over the world. He had an insatiable thirst for adventure and seeking firsthand knowledge of new places. He never met a stranger. He was proud to serve the Collierville United Methodist Church as a lifelong member. He served with many missionary groups in foreign countries helping others. Later in his life, Milton even wrote a book about growing up in Collierville with colorful stories of his travels. He will be greatly missed by so many but his body had grown tired and he was ready to go "home" ... a well-deserved rest.

Visitation will be at the Sanctuary on the Square of the Collierville United Methodist Church at 1 p.m., Wednesday, November 22 with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. at same location. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery following the service.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorials be sent to the Collierville United Methodist Church for the Sanctuary on the Square.