SFC Retired William Benjamin “Benny” Milligan, died unexpectedly as he sat on his “front porch” looking out at the beautiful scenery as he drove down the road in Sacramento, California, on November 16, 2015. He was 65 years old.

Benjamin was born in Sour Lake, on July 24, 1950, at 11:00 p.m. He grew up in Nome, and graduated from Hardin-Jefferson High School in 1968. He joined the United States Air Force in 1968 and later the United States Army in 1979. Benjamin retired from the United States Army in 1995 after twenty-two years of military service. He enjoyed his many travels in the military including the Philippines, Thailand, Germany, and Turkey, especially his visit to Ephesus in Turkey.

Benjamin was a loving and devoted husband, father, and brother. Pawpaw adored his seven grandchildren with all his heart. Benjamin was a born again Christian and he loved the Lord. He and his wife, Joy, were members of the Second Baptist Church in Dunn, North Carolina. He always thought of others first. Benjamin never met a stranger and he LOVED to tell jokes.

Benjamin is survived by his wife, Joy Elaine Milligan, of Austin; children, Jacob Milligan and his wife, Kelley, of Lampasas; Victoria Christensen and her husband, Al, of Harker Heights; and Micah Milligan and his wife, Amy, of Dacula, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Juan, Cierra, Carlos, Ryan, Jorge, Chloe, and Olivia; siblings, Tillman Milligan and his wife, Marie, of Kathleen, Georgia; Bettye Jean McHenry, of Dallas; Jewel Ann Griffin and her husband, Ron, of Petoskey, Michigan; and Robert Milligan and his wife, Deborah, of Fred; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tillman Sr. and Caretha Milligan of Nome; and sister, Amber Joyce Koelemay, of Winnie.

A gathering of Mr. Milligan’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with his funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at First Baptist Church, 1985 Louisiana Street, Nome. A private family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Second Baptist Church, 701 Jackson Road, Dunn, North Carolina 28334.