Obituary of Michael Leonard Milligan

Michael L. Milligan, 63, of Tuckasegee, went home to rejoice with his Lord, Wednesday January 23, 2013 surrounded by his family at his residence. An Illinois farm boy, he was the son of the late Leonard L. and Verna Lee Milligan. A Veteran of the U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry Chicken Man Helicopter Division, he was also a member of William E. Dillard American Legion Post 104 in Sylva. He traveled to Seoul, South Korea for the Para Olympics Air Rifle and Pistol Competition and was also a member of the Paralyzed Veterans Association. Seminary trained, he received a bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University, Magna Cum Laude, in Health Information Management and was a Member of Sylva First Baptist Church. Besides woodworking, he was a craftsman and avid gun and banjo collector besides a motorcycle enthusiast. He was a very loving and supportive husband. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Virginia Burrell Milligan 2 Brothers- Mark Millligan and his wife Carrie of Taylorsville, Ill. David Milligan of Pana, Ill. He is also survived by special friends Nick and Anne Robertson and their children, Laura, Amanda and Bryce of Cowden, Ill. Several nieces and nephews and their children also survive. Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM Saturday January 26 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Revs. Ed Beddingfield and Jack Henson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1:00 PM prior to the Service at the Funeral Home In lieu of flowers donations can be made to William E. Dillard Post 104, PO Box 104, Sylva, NC 28779. Michael made friends everywhere he went, and will be dearly missed but never forgotten.