ELKHART: Billy J. Milan, 77, was born to the late Mack and Lula Mae Milan on March 3, 1946 in Trenton, TN. He departed this life peacefully May 29, 2023,  surrounded by loved ones at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

Billy accepted Christ at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. He was a Deacon, Treasurer, the man you call on to do God's work. Billy was a faithful member until his health failed.

Billy married Betty on June 29, 1966 at Sonny and Barbara's House in Trenton, TN, 55 years, until his timely death.

He leaves to cherish in his memory; daughters, Carolyn (Jeffrey) Johnson of Newnan, GA; Tracy Day of Elkhart, IN, Portia Milan of Trenton, TN, Keisha (Leonard) Graves, Tina Jones of Jackson, TN, Nikita (Wesley) Bulter of South Bend, IN, Kaitlyn Mitchell of Indianapolis, IN; sons, Michael Ganaway of Detroit, MI, Victor Kyle of Elkhart, Jeffery Milan of Bristol, IN, Jason McFarley of Omaha, NE; brothers, John W. Harris of Elkhart, IN, Mack (Barbara) Milan, Oliver (Gattie) Welch, James (Sandy) Milan of Trenton, TN, Steve (Darlene) Milan of Jackson ,TN., sisters, Clarissa (Don) Beard of Mcdonough, GA, Lisa (Glenn) Johnson of Humboldt, Sylvane (Arlene) Hill of Elkhart, IN, Elaine (Thomas) Emery of Humboldt, TN, Lillie (Pap) Carter of Elkhart, Carolyn Wade, Patricia Dicky of Trenton, TN and a host of nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Billy is preceded in death by both parents, Mack and Lula Mae Milan; sisters, Roberta Milan, Beverly Arnold, Joann Swift, brother-in-law, George Wade, Esley Swift; sister-in-laws, Annie Curry, Alice Washington, Mildred McCreary; daughter, Shenise Buford, grandchild, Victor A. Kyle; lifetime friend, Al Gist, who passed away on March 4, 2018.

Billy retired as a plant manager from the RV industry after 38 years. He enjoyed coin collecting, art, golfing, gardening and was an avid gun collector. He loved spending time with family and friends as well as eating out.

Deacon Milan was a people person. He went into the Army, jumping out of helicopters right after high school. In the service, he received a "Prcht badge" and National Defense Service medal.

Billy will be missed but not forgotten.

A Homegoing Service for Billy will be held at 12:00pm, (Noon), with visitation 1 hour prior on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 802 W. Garfield Ave., Elkhart, IN with Rev. Danny Brown officiating.

Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and the (EVHG), Elkhart Veterans Honor Guard.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory, or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com