Butch Alton Milner

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Herman was the son of the late Rev. Herman and Rachel Cranford Milner. He was a graduate of Forest Hill High School in Jackson, MS, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College and his master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Herman began his ministry in music at the age of seventeen, serving four churches for a total of 54 years, retiring from Concord Baptist Church in Anderson where he served from 1984-2017.

Butch was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed nature, from the muddy banks of the Pearl River in Central Mississippi, to the dove fields in Upstate South Carolina, to the high elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. He took many adventures with his sons, grandsons and nephews. He truly loved his four grandchildren and loved to brag about them as often as possible. During his ministry, Herman never sought the spotlight but instead sought to minister in quiet ways. He sought to serve with humility and encourage others with his spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Beasley Milner; two sons, James Milner (Amy) of Anderson and David Milner (Kristin) of Williamston; four grandchildren in whom he delighted: Jackson, Katherine, Michael, and Faith; two sisters, Clara Gore (Bill) of North Carolina and Beth Greene (John) of Tennessee along with numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family whom he loved.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Concord Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. Don Cox and Rev. Randy Blank. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at the church prior to the service. Burial will be at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, MS, on Saturday April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Rainey Hospice House for their excellent care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.