Gary Van Milam, son of James David “JD” and Nellie Mae Milam, was born April 7, 1951, in Marshall, Arkansas and went home to the Lord, reunited with his wife, Linda, August 30, 2021, at their residence in Bloomfield, Missouri, at the age of 70 years.
Gary was proud of his family, he often spoke about the adventures Dason, Grace, Grannie and he had through the years. Gary was a proud Veteran of the US Navy, serving as a jet airframe mechanic during the Vietnam War. He loved his country, flag, and service. He spent his remaining work years as a Steel Worker at Noranda Aluminum.
He is survived by his mother-in-law Audrey Hensley of Harrison, Arkansas; by son, Brad V. Milam; by grandson, Dason James Milam; by granddaughter, Olivia Grace Milam, all of Dexter; He leaves behind brothers Mike (Melissa) Milam of New Madrid, Missouri and Tom Milam of Portageville, Missouri; and by sister Patricia (Tom) Drummond of Fenton, Missouri. Brothers-in-law Steve (Coeta) Hensley of Valley Springs, Arkansas and Jeff Hensley of Harrison, Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Larry) Wheeler of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Sheron (Kyle) Sisco of Western Grove, Arkansas and Alisa Morris of Harrison, Arkansas, Sue Hensley of Harrison, Arkansas. Gary would also want mentioned he and Linda’s beloved puppy, Sparky.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife Linda, his father, James David “JD” Milam, his mother, Nellie Mae Milam, his father-in-law, Dason Floyd Hensley, and his brother-in-law, David Hensley.
Friends may call at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, September 3, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Jamie Jones officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veteran Cemetery at 3:00 pm with full military honors.
In his memory, Gary would ask that you consider supporting The Linda Milam Memorial Scholarship, c/o Laura Miller, 1031 Brown Pilot Road, Dexter, MO 63841 or an organization that were dear to him and Linda: Larry and Kathy Jones Family H.O.P.E. Campaign, PO Box 1785, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 18 Fore Life, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105-9959.
The Family would like to extend their gratitude to Elara Caring hospice staff, we are forever grateful to each of you, and you all hold a special place in our hearts.
