Wiley Grady Milstead

August 25, 2019

Wiley Grady (Blue) Milstead stepped into the fullness of God’s presence on Monday, August 19, 2019, surrounded by numerous family members. He was born in Walnut Hill, FL, on August 27, 1928, to Grady and Ida Ward Milstead. He lived in Pensacola, FL, Pine Hill, AL, Molino, FL, Zachary, LA, and spent the last few years of his life in the northwestern region of the country, residing for a time in Post Falls, ID, and his final years in the state of Washington, near the town of Ephrata.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, June Briggs Milstead, to whom he was married for over 67 years; two sons, Jonathan Mark and Glenn Eddie Milstead; one granddaughter, Aimee Elizabeth Milstead, and all of his seven siblings.

He is survived by a daughter-in-law, Sharon Robinson Milstead Stewart; a son, C. Grady Milstead and his wife, Claire Biggs Milstead; two daughters, Rebecca Milstead Emmons, and her husband Pat Emmons, Rachel Milstead Dotson, and her husband, Gerald Dotson, 25 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

He was known by his mother, siblings, and other extended family members as Boy Blue. His wife and friends called him Blue. His children called him Daddy, his grandchildren, Granddaddy Blue, and his great-grandchildren, Blue Daddy.

As a young man, Blue accepted by faith the gift of eternal life offered to him by His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was an active member of various Baptist churches during his lifetime, First Baptist Church of Ensley, FL, First Baptist Church of Pine Hill, AL, and Dogwood Park Baptist Church in Dogwood Park, FL. He gladly served as a deacon and as an usher.

He worked as an employee of various pulp and paper mills over the course of his life. He worked at the St. Regis mill (now International Paper Co.) in Cantonment, FL, at the MacMillan-Blodel mill (now International Paper Co) in Pine Hill, AL, and at the Georgia Pacific mill in Zachary, LA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a quiet man who will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

As per his wishes, his body will be cremated, and the urn of ashes will be added to the niche alongside that of his wife, June.

Anyone who wishes to do so may make a donation in Blue’s memory to Dogwood Park Baptist Church, Hwy 97, Dogwood Park, FL.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries