Joseph "Joey" Owen Milligan Jr.

Joseph Owen Milligan Jr was born on December 8, 1973 on his mother’s 22nd birthday at Rebsaman memorial hospital in Jacksonville, Arkansas. From day one he was known as Joey and that is still how he is referred to today by family and close friends. Joey grew up in North Little Rock and attended First Assembly of God in NLR where he was baptized at an early age. He graduated from North Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music.

Throughout his life he loved music and everything about it. He surrounded himself with books and tapes pertaining to music and, of course, his guitars. He owned a number of them and had played with several local bands and musical groups.

In 2007 he went to work for the Department of Human Service in Haskell. DHS became an integral part of his life. Going to work and doing his job was paramount to him. He could always be depended on to be at work and on time each day. He did this so religiously that over the years his supervisor had to encourage him take annual and sick leave just to avoid losing them at the end of the year.

Even as work became and integral part of his life, his close family was his foundation in life. He never missed the regular family Sunday dinners, and would spend time on the patio or gazebo serenading the family cats with his flute. He never missed being with his family on holidays or get togethers. This just recently included the family get together at his brother Mikes house on Easter.

Joey passed away suddenly from natural causes on Thursday, July 23rd at his home in Benton. In the end he left this world in peace surrounded by things familiar to him. What better way to meet our maker than to go peacefully in our sleep.

Joey will be remembered by his family and lifelong friends as a happy go lucky, mischievous, smart, musically talented young man. Although his time with us was far too short, the love he shared and the memories he created will endure. While our hearts ache with his absence, we are forever grateful for the privilege of having known him. His spirit will live on in every cherished memory, every familiar melody, and in the hearts of all who loved him.

Joey was preceded in death by his beloved Grandmother Geraldine Milligan, Grandfather Owen Milligan, Grandmother Mary Lou Barton, Grandfather George Barton SR., and Aunt Jill Massa.

Joey is survived by his loving Parents Joe and Hazel Milligan of Maumelle, Brother Michael Milligan and wife Shelley of Simsboro, LA, Brother Gregory Milligan of Maumelle, and God Brother Joseph Shirley of Springfield, MO. Aunts and Uncles, Brenda Milligan of Cabot, Mitch and Debbie Milligan of Springfield, MO, George and Renel Barton of Jacksonville, James and Rose Barton of Quincey, FL, Steve and Donna Milligan of Russellville, and Sarah Lemley of Russellville. Great Uncle Harry Milligan of Little Rock, and a host of other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1pm in the chapel of Rest Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas.