William Milner

William G. Milner VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired U.S. Navy Capt. William "Bill" G. Milner, 86, passed away quietly Dec. 7, 2008. He was born May, 28, 1922, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and in the late 20s, he traveled with his family to make Oak Park, Mich., his home. In 1930, he became a U.S. citizen. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Doris Edna Pounds; parents, William George and Lillian Emily Milner; and siblings, Catherine Jane Dell and Donald Carl Milner. Bill was a devoted son, caring brother, loving husband and dedicated father. Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Kristine E. (Milner) Thompson and Stephen K. Milner; five grandkids, Crystal, Stephanie, Nicole, Jenny and Jennifer; and 11 great-grandchildren, Alanna, Kayla, Nicholas, Rayna, Zoe, Madison, Rebecca, Jordan, Roman, Vanessa and Mario Jr. Bill Milner was a man of many legacies and accomplishments. While attending Lawrence Institute of Technology in the early 40s, working towards a degree in aeronautical engineering, he joined the U.S. Navy air service. His desire to fly was so strong that he was stationed in Pensacola, Fla., as a flying cadet. There he met a beautiful young girl, Doris Pounds, destined to be his partner in life. After graduation, he stayed on as flight instructor, teaching many other cadets so they too could earn their wings. Bill and Doris married July 19, 1946, and he finished his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Michigan in 1948. Their travels and assignments took them to many other places - along the way, raising a family. He advanced to the rank of captain, stretching his career out to nearly 31 years. Following retirement, Bill was never one to sit still. He became active in many other endeavors such as the Republican Party, Society for the Preservation and Restoration of Historical Buildings and was a highly-skilled photographer. Bill and Doris discovered they had a love and talent for growing roses. He developed many techniques for rose cultivation and had a particular keen eye for rose judging and creating garden displays. Bill was wonderfully involved with the Tidewater Rose Society. His skill and sense of beauty was much appreciated by all, quickly becoming a distinguished consulting rosarian. Bill was thrilled to be called upon to judge many of the East Coast rose shows. His fairness and unique flair in searching for "that perfect rose" were legendary among his fellow rose growers. Bill will always be remembered as a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. The service and devotion to his country will always be appreciated and never be forgotten. For now, he has rejoined with the love of his life in heaven. I can just see them together, tending to the rose gardens at the pearly gates. The family will receive friends and family Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road. The funeral will take place at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 4200 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Friday at 11 a.m. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Carbaugh. There will be a private graveside service in Rosewood Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, in honor of his wife, Doris and great-grandson, Nicholas. To celebrate the life of William, please visit his Everlasting Memorial at www.mem.com.