Milton F. Usry, Jr. CPA, PhD, age 93, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, nephew, friend, and educator went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Milton a long-time resident of Pensacola, was born in a small East Texas town, Mineola, to Milton F. Usry Sr. and Emma Luciel (Weaver) Usry on August 31, 1931. Milton was their only child, and his comment was "that his folks had no other children because they couldn't improve on perfection." Milton's parents owned Service Cleaners for over 45 years. Milton helped in his teen years by picking up and delivering clothes on a scooter. Milton attended elementary and high school in Mineola and graduated Salutatorian of his graduation class at the age of 16. He earned his Eagle Scout award at age 17 and was off to Baylor University. While on a weekend home from Baylor and at church Milton noticed a redhead (Dona) he'd not noticed before. He asked her for a date, and she accepted. They were married on November 25, 1951, in his last year at Baylor. His accounting degree was granted in 1952. Graduating from Baylor, Milton accepted a job with Peat Marwick, Mitchel, CPA Firm in Dallas, but soon Uncle Sam called, and Milton proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. First was basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, then Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, IN, and then Fort Benning, GA. He was honorably discharged and took a job with Shell Chemical Company in Pasadena, TX. While employed at Shell, he passed the CPA exam. There their first son, Milton Wayne, was born and two and half years later second son, Mark, was born.
Milton worked at Shell Chemical during the day, and went to school at the University of Houston at night working on a Master's Degree in Accounting. During this time, he was asked to teach a class. He accepted the challenge and teaching got in his blood. Milton commuted to Austin one day a week to attend classes at The University of Texas to make sure returning to school for his PhD agreed with him. He was an excellent student, so he moved the family to Austin. While at The University, Milton had an Arthur Andersen grant and Dona worked for the State of Texas. This was a very busy time for both and the boys.
Upon graduation from Texas, the family moved to Stillwater, OK where Milton taught accounting at Oklahoma State University for 25 years. He was a beloved professor there and received many awards. He was awarded the status of Regents Professor.
While at OSU, Milton served on numerous committees, Education Committee of the American Accounting Association, Board of Examiners of CPA, Board of Regents of Management Accounting, Education of AICPA and others.
One day Mom had a luncheon date with Dad and when she got to his office there was a long line of students in the hallway. Mom asked the last student in line, "Are you all here for counseling and he said YES". Now there were other accounting professors who had offices in this hallway. But this student said, "He's the only one worth a damn". Milton was tough but always fair, hardworking but also fun loving. He took pride in his role as Professor and was thrilled when those he taught succeeded.
Milton was offered several positions as department head or dean, but he felt he was called to teach. In 1964, Milton was approached to become involved with Southwestern Publishing company as a co-author on their Cost Accounting textbook. This led to a great relationship that lasted over 10 editions of the text, Matz, Usry Cost Accounting.
Retirement was near and Milton had been approached by the University of West Florida as an Eminent Scholar, the Mary Ball Washington Professor of Accounting. There was no way we were moving to Florida. The request was made a second time and Milton accepted the status of Visiting Professor in 1985. The Usry's loved it here and moved to Florida in 1986.
Milton taught at UWF for 20 years. He received several awards here at UWF. Asked how many students he thought he taught managerial accounting to; his answer was 15,000 during his career.
In Pensacola, Milton was active in the community. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church. After joining the Presbyterian Church, he was an elder and chairman of the Finance committee. He served as president of Gulf Coast Economics club, president of the Rotary club of Pensacola and served on the Board of Pensacola Historical Society and as treasurer on the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Board and Manna Food Pantries. He received the Hollinger award from Baptist healthcare and was inducted into the UWF Athletic Hall of Fame.
Milton served as chairman of Baptist Healthcare board for 10 years and did board service for Baptist for 26 years.
Milton was always friendly, witty, and loved to tell good jokes. He was a prolific reader, loved to travel, and was true fan of OSU, Texas, Baylor football and basketball. The Usry's and Doris and John Shelton attended BIG 12 basketball tournaments for 18 years. With 5 grandchildren, three Texas Aggies, and two married to Texas Aggies, the Aggies are right up there also.
Dr. Usry is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years Dona White Usry; two sons, Wayne Usry (Carin) and Mark Usry; five grandchildren, Lauren Altman (Blake), Grant Usry (Michelle), Abby Ainsworth (John), Nicolaus Usry (Norah), and Patton Carr (Dalton); 12 great grandchildren, Andrew Altman, Annie Altman, Bennett Altman, August Altman, Eve Usry, Aven Usry, Emmy Usry, Walker Ainsworth, Peyton Ainsworth, Elizabeth Ainsworth, Robbie Ainsworth, and Sloan Carr.
A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32503 or to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 7660 N. Memorial Dr., Owasso, OK 74055.
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