William Sidney Millican

On January 18th, 2017, one the kindest, most selfless men, William Sidney Millican, finished his journey here on earth. Better known to most as “Mr. Bud,” he will be remembered by his big smile, gentle spirit, and his gracious giving.

Bud Millican was born and raised in Jackson, MS, and graduated from Central High School in 1949. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean War. After his service in the Marines, he attended the University of Southern Mississippi.

Bud was a man whom always had a plan for everything and nothing proved the success of his planning abilities more than when he thoughtfully constructed the perfect blueprint to find his wife. He decided he was going to enroll in an elective ballroom dancing class at Southern. He needed an elective course in order to acquire his appropriate college credits. So, he carefully chose this class because he knew he would be the only man enrolled, plus, he would be in a room full of beautiful women whom would need a dancing partner in which he could readily volunteer. His plan was genius and a roaring success in that he finally caught the eye of the woman whom had stolen his heart. He found his one true love in that class and her name was Carolyn McKay. Bud and Carolyn dated for 2 years before he proposed to her on the old bridge at the entrance of the campus of USM. They married on June 10, 1956 and together they lived a beautiful life and raised their 3 children, Sonny, Cindy, and Jan. Bud and Carolyn were married for 59 years before Carolyn passed away in August of 2015. He never fully recovered from the heartbreak of losing the love of his life a year and a half ago.

Bud Millican was a very well respected business man whom owned and operated his own commercial contracting business in Ridgeland for over 5 decades. He finally sold his business and retired at the age of 81 in November of 2012. Throughout those 5 decades, he and his team helped build many of the hospitals and large office buildings in the Jackson metro area and throughout the Southeastern United States. His work over the years has definitely made a huge contribution to the skyline and landscape of Central Mississippi.

In addition to his very successful career, Mr. Bud was also a very well respected family man and was always tirelessly involved in his home church, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and his community. If there was ever a need, the help or donation was always just one phone call away. He gave continuously and graciously.

It would be hard to find a person whom wasn’t touched in some way by the generosity and kindness of this man. He leaves behind brokenhearted family and friends, but we can’t help but rejoice in the fact that he is in the Kingdom of God united with his beloved wife, Carolyn, his son, Sonny, and many other loved ones. We also rejoice that his mind, body and spirit are whole again.

Mr. Millican is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Millican, his son, William Sidney, Jr, his parents, Robert Edward and Maggie Mae Millican, and his sister, Josephine Norman. He is survived by his daughter Cindy Smith and son-in-law Richard Smith, his youngest daughter Jan Millican, his grandchildren, Brayden, Ryan Elizabeth, and Coltan Smith, his nieces, nephew, and cousins, and hundreds of friends whom always felt like family to him.

Bud Millican lived a life full of love and care for everyone whom he met. There is a big void now in our lives, but we all know that we will see him again and it will be a beautiful reunion. This is just goodbye for now.

Bud Millican’s funeral arrangements are as follows: visitation at Parkway Funeral Home off Highland Colony in Ridgeland on Sunday, January 22nd from 3pm till 5pm, visitation on Monday, January 23rd from 10am till 11am at St Mark’s United Methodist Church off Grants Ferry Road at the Reservoir followed by the memorial service beginning at 11am. A processional to Parkway Memorial Cemetery led by the Patriot Guard Riders will take place after the service.

Pall Bearers for the service are Brian Parmentier, John Lyle, Ricky Burns, Park Murray, Jason Buckley, Larry Swales, Hoopy Stringer, and Jacob Barr.

If you wish to make a contribution in memory of our beloved Bud Millican, please consider St Mark’s United Methodist Church in Brandon or Alzheimer’s Mississippi in Ridgeland.