Obituary for Joseph Wayne Milligan, Jr.
Joseph W. Milligan, Jr, a retired firefighter and resident of Chesapeake, VA went home to be with the Lord on July 23, 2022.
Joe was born in McKeesport, PA, on January 19, 1942, son of the late Joseph W. Milligan, Sr, and Kathryn J. Milligan. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy, his daughters, Karon Evans (Neal) and Kathy Carter (Ellis). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Duncan and Aubrey, his sister, Jeanne Potter (Rick), sister in law, Wanda Mercer and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was welcomed into Heaven by his son, Richard, his sister Cindy, brothers Pat and Greg, as well as his parents.
His greatest passion was helping others which led to his career as a firefighter. Firefighting was more than his job; it was his calling. He retired as Captain from the Norfolk Naval Station Fire Department and spent many decades working and volunteering for various fire departments in Virginia and North Carolina. He received numerous awards, letters of recognition and appreciation for his many years of dedicated service. He always wanted to be the first one on the scene and the last one to leave. He loved cooking for his fellow fire ‘buddies’ at the station. He missed it immensely after he retired, and every time he heard a fire engine siren, you could hear him say ‘they are playing my song.’
Joe’s hobbies were pier fishing, reading western fiction, and gathering with family and friends. He never met a stranger, everywhere he went he made a friend. He had a special gift for making people feel loved and was a great listener and mentor to many. It gave him endless joy to give to others. He also loved to make people laugh and was a constant jokester. We will miss his many corny jokes and his infectious laughter.
Joe was a charter member of Princess Anne Plaza Baptist Church. It was there, in July 1963, that he met the love of his life and best friend, Nancy. He was a devoted husband, Daddy, and Pappy. He was at his happiest when spending time with his family. He always said Duncan and Aubrey were his most beautiful gifts.
On August 1, 2022, family and friends will gather to visit at 1:30 with the Celebration of Joe’s Life following at 3:00. Services will be held at Great Bridge Free Will Baptist Church, 700 Mount Pleasant Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Pastor Ronald Lee and Pastor Jay Baines will officiate. Keeping in the spirit of his giving nature, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Great Bridge Free Will Baptist Benevolent Fund. https://app.easytithe.com/App/Form/253a0ca6-6bd3-43ca-b675-d0004d5267ab. Services will be live-streamed and recorded.
Joe was born in McKeesport, PA, on January 19, 1942, son of the late Joseph W. Milligan, Sr, and Kathryn J. Milligan. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy, his daughters, Karon Evans (Neal) and Kathy Carter (Ellis). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Duncan and Aubrey, his sister, Jeanne Potter (Rick), sister in law, Wanda Mercer and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was welcomed into Heaven by his son, Richard, his sister Cindy, brothers Pat and Greg, as well as his parents.
His greatest passion was helping others which led to his career as a firefighter. Firefighting was more than his job; it was his calling. He retired as Captain from the Norfolk Naval Station Fire Department and spent many decades working and volunteering for various fire departments in Virginia and North Carolina. He received numerous awards, letters of recognition and appreciation for his many years of dedicated service. He always wanted to be the first one on the scene and the last one to leave. He loved cooking for his fellow fire ‘buddies’ at the station. He missed it immensely after he retired, and every time he heard a fire engine siren, you could hear him say ‘they are playing my song.’
Joe’s hobbies were pier fishing, reading western fiction, and gathering with family and friends. He never met a stranger, everywhere he went he made a friend. He had a special gift for making people feel loved and was a great listener and mentor to many. It gave him endless joy to give to others. He also loved to make people laugh and was a constant jokester. We will miss his many corny jokes and his infectious laughter.
Joe was a charter member of Princess Anne Plaza Baptist Church. It was there, in July 1963, that he met the love of his life and best friend, Nancy. He was a devoted husband, Daddy, and Pappy. He was at his happiest when spending time with his family. He always said Duncan and Aubrey were his most beautiful gifts.
On August 1, 2022, family and friends will gather to visit at 1:30 with the Celebration of Joe’s Life following at 3:00. Services will be held at Great Bridge Free Will Baptist Church, 700 Mount Pleasant Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Pastor Ronald Lee and Pastor Jay Baines will officiate. Keeping in the spirit of his giving nature, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Great Bridge Free Will Baptist Benevolent Fund. https://app.easytithe.com/App/Form/253a0ca6-6bd3-43ca-b675-d0004d5267ab. Services will be live-streamed and recorded.