Major Milligan Jr.

Lones Major Milligan Jr., 79, of Lake City, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born on January 23, 1945, to the late Lones Major Sr. and Lorene Milligan, Major was a lifelong resident of Lake City and a devoted member of Refuge Church.

Major’s life was a testament to hard work, resilience, and faith. Baptized at an early age at Bowman Baptist Church, his steadfast belief in God was a cornerstone of his life, deeply influencing his family. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Major had a knack for brightening any room. If he teased you, it was his way of showing affection. He often joked about his unique birthdate, 01-23-45, delighting in the reactions it sparked.

Major enjoyed a successful career as a regional manager with Vicon, where his work took him across the region and even allowed him the special privilege of working alongside his younger brother. Beyond his corporate career, Major was also a dedicated farmer, managing multiple farms for Richard Twist Farms, and a regular at auctions, where he found joy in the camaraderie and excitement.
For over 25 years, Major and his wife, Nelsa, ran a catering business, serving countless farmer auctions and community events. Due to his mother’s passing from breast cancer, Major became passionately involved in promoting the cultivation of Guyabano in the Philippines, a fruit researched by Johns Hopkins University for its benefits against various types of cancers.

In addition to his parents, Major is preceded in death by his brothers, Bernard and Jerry Milligan. He is survived by his loving wife, Nelsa Milligan, of the home; his children, Andy (Tina) Milligan of Olive Branch, MS, Matt (Rachael) Milligan of Abilene, TX, Susie (Kevin) Sander of Prague, OK, and their mother Louise Milligan of Prague, OK; his children Cali (Cameron) Tedder of Jonesboro and Nelvin (Savanna) Comilap of Trumann; his sisters, Ruth Reece of Traverse, MI, and Joy Rapert of Jonesboro; his sister in law, Brenda Milligan of Lake City; 9 grandchildren: Drew (Lauren) Milligan, Tyler Milligan, Taylor Milligan, Easton Milligan, Jake (Abbey) Biard, Olivia Sander, Louisa Milligan, Harding Milligan, and Neely Milligan; 2 great-grandchildren: Cannon Milligan and C. Major Milligan; and his in-laws, Fortunato and Marcosa Comilap.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Refuge Church in Lake City, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m., officiated by Pastor Steve Hinkle. Honorary pallbearers include Drew Milligan, Harding Milligan, Tyler Milligan, Jake Biard, Easton Milligan, Kevin Sander, Cameron Tedder, Jerry Milligan, Jon Milligan, Justin Milligan, Nelvin Comilap, Hever Comilap, Junie Comilap, Jake Gilley, Max Rapert, Rick Reece and Heath McGaughey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mission Fund at Refuge Church in Lake City.