Roy Charles Milton

1934 - 2025

Roy Charles Milton

March 10, 1934 - July 9, 2025

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Roy Charles Milton was born March 10, 1934 in St. Paul, MN to Rev. John and Euphemia Milton. He graduated salutatorian from Murray High School, and magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Upon graduation he was commissioned Ensign USN, and on June 18, 1955 married Beverly Merie Heuer of W. St. Paul, MN. After four years in the Navy, Roy pursued graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, receiving a MA in mathematics and a PhD in mathematical statistics.

In 1964 Roy, Bev and two baby daughters (Kristi 18 months and Andrea 2 months) moved to Hiroshima, Japan where he worked with the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission studying the after effects of the bomb. In 1972 he began 35 years with the National Eye Institute, NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. He participated in collaborative studies of eye diseases in the US, Japan, China, India, and Italy. After retirement from the government he joined the EMMES Corporation, a contract research organization supporting medical research studies, retiring in 2006. Roy and Bev then moved from Potomac, MD to a solar home in Pittsboro, NC and subsequently (2012) to Carolina Meadows.

Roy is survived by his patient and loving wife Beverly (Bev) of 70 years (the story of how we met is a good one, but Bev will have to tell you); daughters Kristi Irwin of Park City, UT and Andrea Russin of Miami Beach, FL; brother Donald Milton of Nunica, MI; grandsons Shaw Irwin of Salt Lake City, UT, Jack Irwin of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Jacob Russin of Providence, RI, Noah Russin of Brooklyn, NY and Asher Russin of Los Angeles, CA; and great grandson Henry Shaw Rabdau-Irwin of Salt Lake City, UT. Also, nephews Scott Milton (TX), Steven Carlson (VA), Timothy Milton (MI); nieces Nancy Fetterman (WA), Terry Milton (VA), Barbara Wood (IN), Janet Hagan (VA), and Stephanie Scrivens (MI); plus great-nieces and great-nephews.

Roy is author or co-author of over 100 publications in statistical, medical, and epidemiological journals. In an early epidemiological study in India he reported seminal evidence of nutritional impact on development of cataract. A later clinical trial in south India found decreased mortality among children receiving vitamin A daily through small dietequivalent doses. He was a primary co-investigator in a US multicenter clinical trial of a vitamin-mineral combination which was found to slow development of macular degeneration (AREDS).

The Miltons moved over 20 times. Early homes were courtesy of the U.S. Navy. Roy enjoyed all of the places and associated adventure. He also enjoyed travel, both foreign and domestic, facilitated by foreign studies, by membership in SERVAS, and by having enthusiastic co-travelers -- wife, and sister and brother-in-law. He did not seek excitement, but nevertheless enjoyed it such as the seven days of white-water rafting down the Grand Canyon's Colorado River, and the Shotover Jets in New Zealand. Fondly remembered destinations included Cappadocia, Guilin, the Forbidden City, and all of Italy, especially Positano. He related some useful advice about new cultural experiences: don't walk behind elephants, and do not chew but swallow the fish eye whole.

In retirement Roy left academia and research behind and found pleasure in classical music CDs and reading mysteries and thrillers. His reading enjoyment was occasionally enhanced by potato chips, triple-crème brie, and a glass of wine. He continued participation in choral singing as a strong bass with the Carolina Meadows MeadowSingers. He also developed an interest in progressive theology. He considered himself as an example of "too soon old and too late smart." Roy enjoyed being at the NC beaches and especially the mountains, taking in the peaceful sounds and scents and ponder time.

Roy was thankful for the good life in retirement. As an expression of gratitude, the Miltons were able to more freely support others in need individuals as well as programs.

Gifts in remembrance may be sent to ELCA World Hunger, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, Mercy Ship, Carolina Meadows Gift and Remembrance Fund (The Park), or any of your choice.

A memorial service was held at Carolina Meadows July 14th.