Col. Charles Mcray Milam

Charles Mcray Milam, Col. US Army (Ret.) 91, of Rotonda West, FL died Friday, June 2, 2017. Colonel Milam is survived by his widow, the former Nancy Williford and his children: Ronald H. Milam of Little Rock, AR; Michael A. Milam of Rogersville, TN., and three step children: Marcia Ann Cochie of Rotonda West, FL; Terrance Paul Gabel of Englewood, FL and Mary Elizabeth Eastman of Columbus, OH. Colonel Milam, formerly of Camden, AR. was a graduate of Camden High School where he was a letterman in football and track and a member of the Delta Sigma Fraternity. Upon graduating from high school in 1943 he received an athletic scholarship at the University of Arkansas and lettered one year on the varsity football team before entering the US Marine Corps in early 1944. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations and received the Asiatic-Pacific Combat Medal w/star, the WW-II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal-Pacific, National Defense Service Medal and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Finishing out his enlistment in the Marines, he played football for The Camp Pendleton Marines and won designation as All Marine Tackle in 1947. Following discharge from the Marines in 1948, he returned to the Univ. of Arkansas on scholarship where he lettered in football in 1948 , 49 and 50. While at the University he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and participated in the Reserve Officers Training Corps program. Milam was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate upon graduation in 1951 and entered the Regular Army as a Second Lieutenant. From 1951 until his retirement in 1975, Col. Milam served in various Command and Staff positions. He served in Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and was assigned on three different occasions to the 82nd Airborne Division. During his Army service he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Legion of Merit Medal, Silver Star Medal for Galantry, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Korena Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Master Parachute Badge, The Ranger Tab and eight overseas bars. Col. Milam earned his Masters Degree in Business from Fairligh-Dickerson Univ. during his final tour of duty prior to retiring. After retirement, Col. Milam was employed by the South Carolina Department of Youth Services in programs of Delinquency Prevention and assistance to children in trouble. A Graveside Service with full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. The family requests memorial contributions in his name to Tidewell Hospice, Inc. 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238.