Rennie Howard Milligan, Jr.

Rennie Howard Milligan Jr., son of Shantel Strozier and Rennie Milligan Sr., was born on April 16, 1998 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life unexpectedly on January 13, 2019. Rennie leaves his legacy to live on through: mother (Shantel Strozier), father (Rennie Milligan Sr.,), siblings (Nakera Lee, Tashera Lee, Briona Lee, Shayla Monroe, Kevin Patrick Monroe III, and Zy'Nera Monroe), Nephew (Jahmir McDonald), extended-brothers/cousins (Walter Reed III and De'Andre Reed), cousins (Tanea Strozier, Shardaisa Coles, Imia Reed, and Alexus Strozier) maternal aunt (Shawntrel Strozier), maternal uncle (Robert Strozier), and a host of maternal and paternal cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends from near and far.

Rennie received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools System graduating from Coppin Academy in 2016. He participated in many activities while in high school one of which being wrestling. He won many awards in this sport and loved being able to try new things. He was a well-loved and memorable student by staff and students alike. He had many goals, dreams, and aspirations for his life before his departure and that included his desire to pursue a career in electrical technoiogy. Rennie began attending the North American Trade School in Windsor Mill, MD in early January of which he was very eager and excited to begin his journey. The enthusiasm and excitement he shared with his family, friends, and even the recruiter at the school goes unmatched. He shared his desire to be greater than his circumstance and he was doing just that to make his life count.

Rennie would be known to many as a "jack of all trades." He never limited himself to a title, job description or objective. He was always ambitious and enthused to learn and take on new skills; actively building his resume. To this day, everyone that has encountered Rennie professionally has always spoken great words about him and remembers him for his infectious smile and strong-hold, heart-felt hugs. "I love you, be safe)' were some of the most favored lines used by Rennie to all those he loved, and that love was genuinely felt in every form it was expressed.

Growing up, Rennie was a loving, compassionate, smart, dedicated, ambitious and stead-fast kid who fought his whole life to be accepted. Although loved by so many, Rennie battled society and the viewpoints of many family and even friends who were not always present and supportive. He viewed the opinions of those outside of his home in such a high regard and really fought to belong. Rennie had a heart of gold and his love could be felt from miles and miles away. He had a sweet presence and nature about himself and even at his last day that never changed about him. Rennie always tried to help those around him and his loyalty for those he loved sometimes went unnoticed by some but will never be forgotten by those who truly loved and cared about and for him.

Rennie made numerous friends and was admired by those young and old; professionals high up in their careers even down to babies in middle and elementary school. All the kids loved to see Rennie coming and would always jump in his arms in such excitement. Rennie had an aura and nature about himself that made it difficult not to fall in love with him. He would also say "When I win, I want you all to win too." No matter the circumstance or situation, Rennie did everything in his power to become the man society said he could not become.

'To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord' (II Corinthians 5:1-10) and while we mourn this day for your presence Rennie, we know that you are with a greater power who has the ability to see and do all things. Continue to guide our footsteps and watch over us during this time and years after. Mend our hearts and minds and always be sure to send us reminders that while you are absent from the body, your spirit will forever live on. We love you Rennie forever and ever. Until we meet again!