Bert Milling

MILLING
Bert William Milling, Sr., age 91, passed away in Mobile, Alabama on Monday, March 25, 2013. Bert was born in Mobile on November 4, 1921 to Robert James Milling, Sr. and James Ellen Staggers Milling. Bert was a 1938 graduate of University Military School and a member of the 1930's-era UMS football team known as the "Flea Circus." He went on to play football and study Business at the University of Richmond, graduating in 1942. Bert volunteered for the Army Air Corp after graduation and then played in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles until he was called to active duty. On November 3, 1943, in Albany, Georgia, four hours after his graduation from flight school, Bert married Marjorie Smith Milling, of Warren, Ohio. He flew B-24 bombers from England during World War II, including two missions over Germany on D-Day. He returned to Mobile with Margie after the war and entered his family's business, Underwood Builders Supply Company. He retired as Chairman and majority shareholder of Underwood at age 75.
A loving and devoted husband, caring father and loyal friend, Bert will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His care of and devotion to Margie, especially during their last years together, is perhaps his greatest legacy for his children and grandchildren.
Bert was recently privileged to visit the World War II Memorial and other historic venues in Washington, D.C. with other World War II Veterans on the South Alabama Honor Flight held in September of 2012.
Bert was predeceased by his wife Margie, by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert James Milling, Jr. and Sofie Milling, by his brother-in-law, John Thomas "J.T." Arendall, Sr., and by his first grandchild, Bert W. "Trey" Milling, III.
Bert's survivors include his sister, Ellen Milling Arendall, and his children, Bert W. Milling, Jr. (Pris), of Battles Wharf, Stephen Russell Milling, Michael Philip Milling (Deborah), and Anne Marie Milling Sims, of Mobile, and James Patrick Milling (Julie) of Hood River Valley, Oregon; his grandchildren, Brooks Pitman Milling, Sr. (Sydney), Jeremy Bacon Milling, Sr. (Myrtle), Maran M. Grace (Wade), Stephen Russell Milling, Jr. (Jennie), Shannon Milling, Rebecca Milling Sisson (Andrew), Winston Rowell Milling (Haley), Michael Philip Milling, Jr. (Cheryl), Christopher Wade Milling (Nadia), Marjorie Caitlin Sims, Joseph Zachary Sims, Ryan Stephen Beverly and Joshua Philip Beverly; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Bert is also survived by his wife's sister, Barbara Smith Miles, of Anderson, Indiana. Bert's family wishes to express its gratitude to his caregivers, particularly Demetrius McNish and his staff at Health Care Intervention.
The family requests that Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Ridgecrest, N.C., or a charity of your choice be considered for any memorial donations.
A memorial service was held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Spring Hill Baptist Church. Interment was in Mobile Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be offered at www.mmgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by: