Obituary of Thomas K Milam

On March 1, 2020, the Bossier City metro area suffered a loss that will
affect many people.  Tom Milam (owner of Milam Kars) sped off in a
classic car, rushing off to be with our Heavenly Father as well as his family
members who made this trip before him. Tom, as his friends called him, was
born in Blanch, NC. His father was a local tobacco farmer. His family was
very poor growing up, and so at the ripe old age of 17, he quit high school
and joined the United States Air Force, where he would spend his next 22+
years. During that time, he received his GED and actually entered college.
It was during his service at Loring AFB in Maine, that he met the love of his
life; his wife Shirley Abbot, a singer and performer from Canada. During his
service, Tom and his family traveled North & South as well as East & West
having served his country in Maine, Georgia, Washington, Arkansas, South
Dakota, as well as Thailand/Vietnam, before finally retiring here at
Barksdale AFB as a Msgt.  Mr. Milam served his country well in the Missile
Maintenance Squadron, even to the point of setting up and running the
SRAM program here at Barksdale.  He also served as First Sgt and truly
enjoyed helping others.  Within a year of his arrival here in Bossier City,
Tom applied for and received his license as a used car dealer.  He was an
avid animal lover, especially his dog Veto & his cat K.C., and loved
working on autos. But more so, he absolutely loved interacting with people
& his coffee pot was always on.  Mr. Milam was a unique individual often
telling you “like it is” and was known for his sense of humor. He loved to
share stories. For the next 45 years, he would work to improve the image of
used car dealers, along with the help of his son, Terry.  Tom served as
President of the LA Independent Auto Dealers Association & was also
awarded the LA Quality Dealer of the Year multiple times.  He was awarded
the Eagle Award from the National Independent Auto Dealers Association.
While many know him for his local commercials & fatherly advice, he was
also very involved in helping those in need, often providing transportation
to those traveling to St Jude Children Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer
Center and other specialty hospitals. He also started a college scholarship
fund at BPCC, & taught classes on how to buy a used motor vehicle.  He
was never one to seek credit or accolades, he simply wanted to help others.

Mr. Milam rediscovered his faith in God in recent years, being baptized in
the Catholic church.  He was often seen attending church with his wife (of
59 years), Shirley Milam.  Mr. Milam will be greatly missed by many,
although we have no doubt he is opening another car dealership in Heaven,
where our Heavenly Father is now giving him the best deal, without the
ordeal.

Tom Milam was preceded in death by his parents, C.C. Milam (wife Willie)
of Danville, VA, brother William (wife Virginia) of Danville, VA; sister
Helen (husband Harold), Danville, VA; sister Mildred Hudson (husband
Leonard) of Stokesville, NC; Mr. Milam is survived by his wife of 59 years,
Shirley Milam; sister Betty Mae Worley (of Danville, VA);son Randall
MacDonald of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; daughter Sandra Allen
(husband Rob) of Ennis, TX; son Terry Milam (wife Jacqueline) of
Haugton, LA; Grandchildren Joel Black of Shreveport, LA, Nicolas Allen
(wife Cassidy) of Ennis, TX, Stephanie Greenside (husband Ted) of
Virginia Beach, VA, Riley Allen, of Ennis, TX; Great grandchildren Dillon
Black (wife Sarah) of Shreveport, LA,  Sarah Black of Shreveport, LA, Tesa
Greenside, of Virginia Beach, VA, Trevor Greenside of Virginia Beach,
VA, & Sydney Greenside of Virginia Beach, VA; and great great grandkids
Dean Black & Jace Black (Shreveport, LA).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NWLA Veterans Home,
the Wounded Warrior Project or The American Cancer Society.  The family
wishes to express their appreciation & gratitude to all of his friends and
customers over the last 45 years...and especially the 7W nursing staff of
Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, the 1st wing nursing staff at the
NWLA Veterans Home, as well as Christus Hospice Service. A short
Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Boone
Funeral Home in Bossier City.