William S Milam

William Shirley Milam, 92, of Scottsville, Virginia (Formerly of Charlottesville), died Thursday, May 16, 2019 at his residence. William (Bill) was born May 4, 1927 in Big Island, Virginia, to the late Lon and Gladys White Milam. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Winston Milam and Claude Milam, his sister-in-law Jean Milam and his brother-in-law Stanley Becouvarakis. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life of 65 years, Shirley L. Milam; a son, Michael J. Milam and his wife Audrey of Scottsville, Virginia; his daughter Tracy L. Schaefer (Charlie) of Florida; and his daughter Penny E. Milam-Boley (Mark) of Culpeper, Virginia. He is also survived by his three grandchildren; Jesse M. Milam (Anju), Shanalee Carlson (Derick), and Erin D. Moore (Charlie). In addition to his grandchildren, he is survived by his great grandchildren; Gage T. Carlson, Tate C. Carlson, William D. Milam, Arya L. Milam. He is also survived by his sister, Garnett M. Becouvarakis. Bill enlisted in the Navy in 1944 at the age of 17. Upon returning home from World War II he attended college at Hampden-Sydney, where he played football. He later transferred to Lynchburg College, where he graduated with a degree in History and a minor in Physical Education. While there, he was the Captain of the basketball team and played Center. He met his wife Shirley and they married in 1953. Bill retired from Grumman Aerospace in Calverton, Long Island. He was a hard-working, loyal, selfless man who loved his family and his Savior, Jesus Christ. Bill and Shirley moved to his homeland of Virginia to retire. He and Shirley attended the First Baptist Church of Charlottesville on Park Street, where they were active in the Senior Sunday School Class, served in the Soup Kitchen and at the Wednesday evening Family Suppers. Bill was a faithful and dedicated husband and a supportive Dad. He was always there to listen to his children and to help any way he could. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, grandson and great grandson. After retirement, he and Shirley got to travel across country. This was one of their fondest memories. Bill loved UVA Basketball and was able to see The Cavaliers win the NCAA tournament. Bill Milam was an honorable, funny, kind and selfless man. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be conducted 3 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the First Baptist Church on Park Street.