Carl Donald "Don" Milam

Carl Donald Milam passed away on February 24, 2026, at the NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.

"Don" was born in Cherry Valley, Arkansas, on January 15, 1936, to Emmett and Lula Pitts Milam. He graduated from Cherry Valley High School in 1955. He married Martha Ann Jones in 1960 in Vanndale, Arkansas. He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960, and was last stationed in Fort Gordan, Georgia. He was a charter member and past member of the Cherry Valley Lion's Club and past Master of the Poinsett Masonic Lodge #184.

Don is a retired rice and soybean farmer. He was known for giving anyone a helping hand. When the Lion's Club started again, everyone became a member and worked very hard to make Cherry Valley the place you would want to live. They built the old park, tennis courts, tables, and grills. It was suggested that they start a Rodeo. That took a lot of hard work, but they made it happen. In the fall after the crops were gathered, Don spent every day quail hunting. When he retired, he became a "buddy" at school . He loved being a buddy because he liked helping children and to be sure they had everything they needed for school. Don is a member of the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church. He has always been a very active member.

Don is survived by his wife, Martha Jones Milam of the home, children, Mitchell Maurice Milam and wife Jennifer, and Meredith Jetton, grandchildren, Dr. Morgan Benefield, Jace Jetton, Audrey Milam, and Graham Milam. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who held a special place in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmet and Lula Milam, brothers, Forrest, Maurice, Jack, Jerry Dan and Emmett and sisters, Helen, Margaret, Joyce, Bobbie Jean and Mary Ann.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10 AM until 11 AM at Kernodle Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be Monday at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 1 PM. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.