1921
2014
296 North Main Street
Waynesville, North Carolina
Ray Milner
Waynesville - Newman Ray Milner, age 92, of Iron Duff Road, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at Mountain Trace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Joseph Wesley and Mauzelle McElroy Milner. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Crisp and Kate Farley and three brothers, Eugene, Gerald, and J.H. Milner. Ray was a US Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, having served with the 12th Armored Division of the 714th Tank Battalion during World War II. He was employed at Champion International for 32 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 39 years, was a choir member, a youth leader, and a Sunday-school teacher. Ray enjoyed farming cattle and tobacco and was an avid Duke basketball fan and a member of the Champion Old Timers. A special known fact about Ray was that he water skied at the age of 77 and also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He will be remembered as being a devoted Christian, loving his family and placing them first, and having a heart of gold.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Edith Tate Milner; two daughters, Pat R. Milner of Charlotte and Regina Haynes (Jim) of Waynesville; one son, Steve Milner (Karen) of Greenville, South Carolina; one sister, Arlene Carpenter (Frank) of Maggie Valley; three brothers, Johnnie Milner (Geraldine) of Lake Junaluska, Dennis Milner (Betty Sue) and DeWayne Milner (Mary Lou), all of Canton; five grandchildren, Chad Haynes (Brooke), Nikkie Owens (Joe), Cheley McDowell (Shamgar), and Stephanie and Josh Milner; and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Antioch Baptist Church with Reverend Steve Taylor and Reverend Matt Pruett officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2:00 p.m. prior to services at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Antioch Baptist Church, 542 Iron Duff Road, Waynesville, NC 28785.
Special thanks to the staff of the Mountain Trace facility for their loving care.
Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Waynesville is in charge of arrangements. An on-line memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
I am so very sorry for the loss of this
sweet amazing man.Ray touched the life's of many people,and those that met him never forgot him. He had God in his life,and he overcame so many challenges that were put in his life path. God made him strong. He was a hard working man, and he believed in what he done. What a beautiful family came from this man, and each of his children are as wonderful as him,and their devoted Mother. He will be deeply missed. I'm the Sister of Cindy Mclelland whom is now departed as well. She always loved this family like they were her own. In her days, she spent many weekends with the family,working the Tobacco fields,and anything else that was needing to be done to help out Ray,Miss Edith,and Pat. And, when work was not needing to be done,she just loved spending time with them in their home.Cindy loved and respected this family all the days of her life. I feel sure that she,my Father, and Ray are having a big time together in Heaven.God Bless each of you, and may he give you peace in your Heart. One of the greatest gifts that life can give to anyone,is the very special love that families share.
Sherri Mclelland
January 17, 2014
Dennis, Dewayne, and the Milner family. I was sorry to hear of your brothers passing. God be with you in your grief and sorrow.
Ronnie Young
January 3, 2014
He was always a very good brother-in-law. He will be missed! Frankie
January 3, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Wells Funeral Homes, Inc. & Cremation Services-Waynesville296 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
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