Gene Milam, age 86, went home to meet his Father on March 9, 2017 after a 4 year struggle with Alzheimer's.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 3pm at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Marietta with Dr. Steve Stanfield and Pastor Adrian Coetzer officiating. The body will be at the church at 2pm.  Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery in Kennesaw with U.S. Air Force honors.

Gene was born in Atlanta on February 4, 1931 to parents Russell and Minnie Ola Cato Milam.  He and his beloved Hazel moved to Marietta in 1968 to be closer to his work.  Gene provided for his family during his career at Lockheed where he was a Manufacturing Planner on the C130 project until his retirement in 1989.  Those that knew Gene knew there were two places to find him.  He and Hazel were avid gardeners and spent many summers growing their garden and fruit trees.  His love of the soil was a highlight of his life.  He was also a friend to the many birds and squirrels that he kept well fed.  Gene was the ultimate handyman.  His basement was full of every tool.  He was known to be able to fix anything and his generous nature, strong steady hands and creative mind allowed him to help others with repairs.  Music was also a major love of his life.  His home was always filled with his singing, whistling or harmonica playing.  On Sundays, his voice from the choir could be heard filling the sanctuary of his church Elizabeth Baptist.

Gene was the youngest of 4 boys and was proceeded in death by Joe, Jack and Aubrey Milam.  He married his bride Hazel Barger Milam in 1953 and they shared 64 years of love.  Their family included Ron (Joyce) of Whitesburg, Rick (Melissa) of Marietta, Karen (Greg) of Marietta and grandchildren Amanda (Marc), Chris, Katie, Allie (Andrew) and Emily and great grandchildren Ryan and Lex.  Barbara Jean Thurmond, a beloved niece, and Wayne Evans were special people in his life.  Gene was devoted to his family and our precious Poppie's blue eyes will be missed and loved all of our days.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 5-7pm at Marietta Funeral Home.