Dr. Cecil James Milner

Dr. Cecil James Milner, 88, a long-time resident of Dothan and husband of Ruth E. LaPointe Milner (Abington, Massachusetts), passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2015 surrounded by his family. Dr. Cecil Milner was born April 5, 1927 in Dallas, Texas, where he lived until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a proud Marine, he served his country during both World War II and the Korean War. Among his military duties, he escorted fallen Marines for final honors and burials. He was honorably discharged with a rank of Second Lieutenant. Between his active military services, he began his educational career at Colorado A&M, now Colorado State University. He later received his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education Degrees from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Milner continued his educational journey, earning his Doctorate of Education from The University of Alabama in 1994 at the age of 67. Dr. Milner held the position of Vice President of Sales and Distribution at Johnson and Johnson, where he was employed for twenty-three years. He and his wife, Ruth, relocated from the Chicago area to Dothan in 1977. He was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ansell until 1992. He continued working as a consultant in the industry until his retirement eight years ago. Aside from Dr. Milner’s military and professional endeavors, he was also a long-time humanitarian, philanthropist, and lover of music. Dr. Milner always found the best in people and strived to help them reach their full potential. He was a devout member of St. Columba's Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister. In honor of his beloved wife Ruth, Dr. Milner initiated two scholarships at Troy State University. He was also a strong advocate for the rights of Americans with disabilities and was very active on various boards of directors in the Dothan community, including the Personnel Board for the City of Dothan. Dr. Milner was a long-time and much respected member of the Dothan Rotary Club. Dr. Milner was preceded in death by his son-in-law Conrad Chevez and grandson Matthew James Milner. He is remembered with love by his wife of 66 years Ruth Milner; his daughter, Patty Chevez of Roseville, California; his sons, Michael Milner of Dothan, William (Linda) Milner of Greenville, Rhode Island, Timothy (Carol) Milner of Boulder, Colorado, and Jonathan Milner; his brother, George Milner; and numerous nieces and nephews across the country. He will always be cherished as Granddaddy by his fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at St. Columba Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will welcome friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Matthew J. Milner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Freedom National Bank, P.O. Box 275, Greenville, RI, 02828. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at St. Columba Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will welcome friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Matthew J. Milner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Freedom National Bank, P.O. Box 275, Greenville, RI, 02828.