Douglas Wayne Milliken

Douglas "Wayne" Milliken, ege 78, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026.

Born on July 16, 1947, in Nashville, Tennessee, Wayne was the beloved son of the late William and Audrey Milliken.

Wayne's faith shaped the very foundation of his life. After graduating from Bible College, Wayne accepted a position with a church in Virginia where he counseled individuals struggling with addiction. It was through this ministry-serving others with compassion and conviction-that he met Elizabeth "Ann" Bayley at church. What began as a divine appointment blossomed into a lifelong love story. Wayne and Ann were married on December 22, 1973, and together built a marriage rooted in devotion, faith, and enduring love.

Twenty years ago, Wayne suffered a massive stroke and nearly lost his life. Yet through what he firmly believed was divine grace, he was blessed with twenty more years. Though those years brought many challenges, Wayne faced each day with gratitude. He woke up happy and thankful for every cherished moment he was given with his family. He found joy in life's simplest blessings-the beauty of an ordinary day, the warmth of love, the laughter shared around a table, the bliss of family reunions, and the priceless gift of just one more meaningful day.

Wayne had a genuine soul and loved unconditionally. He was sweet, sensitive, humble, gentle, and kind-a steady and comforting presence to all who knew him. His faith was not just something he professed; it was something he lived daily through patience, gratitude, and quiet strength.

In his earlier years, Wayne enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting. During the Christmas season, he delighted in playing Santa Claus, bringing smiles and wonder to children and adults alike. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller, able to captivate a room with his warmth and wit.

Wayne leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, enduring love, and a heart that found joy in life's simplest treasures. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that his gratitude, kindness, and love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Ann; children, Daniel, Bryan, and Kelly Milliken; grandchildren, Gage Douglas (Felicia), Kaitlyn, Hope Drewek, Jena; great-grandchildren; Daniel Gage, Marie, Mavrick, Leon Wilson, and Rosalina Wilson; and sister-in-law Shirley Milliken.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his brothers Edgar Reese, Roger Dale and sister-in-law, Debra.

The family honors the memory of Wayne and invites you to visit and share memories Friday, March 6, 2026 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Richmond. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday with 10:00 a.m. visiting. Rev. Scott Clark, pastor of Memphis Global Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Richmond Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Wishes of the Family.