John Henry Milner Jr.

John Henry Milner, Jr. passed away on December 14, 2008, after a long illness, surrounded by family. John (Johnny) was a talented musician and a multifaceted individual. Born October 17, 1945 in Greenwood, MS to Anne Louise Craig and John Henry Milner. He leaves behind his father, John H. Milner; loving wife, Nancy; sisters, Anne Hamilton (Trotter) and Craig (Karlson); sons, Chris and Jason Milner; stepdaughter, Michelle (Morreale) and grandchildren, Eric, Justin, Brandon and Marina Milner. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Louise Craig Milner. John graduated from Greenwood High School (class of '63), attended Bullis Prep School prior to his appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he graduated with a BS degree in Aeronautical Engineering (class of '68) He spent eight years as a Navy pilot during which time he was stationed in Pensacola where he earned his wings and became a flight instructor, then Guam as an aircraft commander for VQ-1. He ended his Navy career at Point Mugu, California. As a Vietnam veteran, he received several medals and commendations. His last flight log entry marks the date of November 11, 1976 when he delivered his airplane (EC-121) Super Constellation to Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. After a short time working in private industry in California, he returned to government service as an engineer and Navy Technical Representative working for the Department of the Navy, specifically the Naval Surface Warfare Center/Port Hueneme Division (NSWC/PHD) in Port Hueneme, CA. He worked in the NAVPRO office at General Dynamics in Pomona, CA. In 1990 he was assigned to the Navy's Standard Missile Program at Raytheon's Missile Assembly Facility in Chattanooga, TN, and ultimately at the TechRep office at Raytheon in Tucson where he lived and retired. He was very proud to be a part of the STANDARD Missile project, SM3. He was the recipient of many accolades from NAVSEA Port Hueneme Surface Warfare Center Division. He retired June 3, 2005 after thirty one years of combined military and civil service. His many interests included, but were not limited to, music, cooking, bonsai gardening, and astronomy. He wrote songs, sang and played guitar, bass, and drums with several bands over many years including the Naval Academy's first rock band the "Spiffys". He was an active member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, Tucson Bonsai Society, Arizona Parrot Head Club, and Tucson Kitchen Musician Association. John had a passion for life and made life long friends everywhere he went. The family wishes to thank Tucson Medical Center Hospice and staff for the wonderful care provided. Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Greenwood, MS. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Caringbridge.org/johnmilner are greatly appreciated.