Marcus A. Milam III

Marcus Alexander Milam, III affectionately known as “Mickey” a devoted family man, a respected funeral director, and proud veteran peacefully and comfortably went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his close family and devoted nursing care team.

Mickey was born in Miami, FL to Marcus Alexander Milam, Jr. and Ethel Beville Milam on November 1, 1940. The family moved to Gainesville when Mickey was three years old. He attended J.J. Finley Elementary School and was a Gainesville High School graduate in the class of 1959. Mickey enlisted in the United States Army in 1961. He was in the 82nd Airborne Division, and he was very proud to serve his country. Mickey came home for his sister’s wedding and met the “most beautiful girl he’d ever seen,” Mary Kathryn Williams. They began a long-distance relationship while he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. They married in 1963, and he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1964.

His commitment to service took him in a new direction when his father-in-law, Dick Williams offered him a job working in and running the ambulance service for Williams Thomas Funeral Home. He pursued a career in funeral service at Miami-Dade Community College earning his mortuary science degree in 1966 and was a licensed funeral director by 1968. His lifelong passion and calling for serving and taking care of families in their greatest time of need began alongside his father-in-law, Dick Williams at Williams Thomas Funeral Home in 1968..

Many years later Mickey’s lifelong dream was realized when he purchased Johnson-Hayes Funeral home, and it was renamed Johnson-Hayes Milam Funeral Home. In 2004 he rebranded the business as Milam Funeral and Cremation Service. Mickey’s dedication to compassionate care and his deep understanding of the needs of grieving families became the hallmarks of his long and impactful career.

Beyond his professional life Mickey had a profound love for the community he served. This passion extended from the families he guided through difficult times to the vibrant life of Gainesville itself. First United Methodist Church was his church home, and he served as a council member and on the Finance Committee dedicating his time and resources. He was also very involved in civic organizations, including the High Springs and Gainesville Rotary Club. He and other professionals who could not get away from work during the lunch hour formed the Sunrise Rotary Club, which met weekly at 7:00am. He loved being an active member of the Lions Club and the East Side Garden Club. He was also a member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge #41 for 50 years. His most favorite activity was joining friends and family at his favorite local restaurants, notably The Clock and Cedar River where he regularly met with his “old men group” every Wednesday.

Mickey was also a founding member of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida which formulated in the early 1990’s to fight for the consumer against corporate-owned funeral homes. He will always be remembered for his big, warm smile, and his gentlemanly manner. He was the epitome of a good and faithful servant and never met a stranger. He possessed a unique ability to connect with any one he encountered leaving them with a lasting feeling of love, friendship and acceptance.

Of all the titles Mickey held, none was more cherished and honorable than 'Dada' to his adored granddaughters. If he wasn't at the funeral home compassionately helping the community, he was undoubtedly with his "favorite girls," showering them with love and spoiling them completely. The moment his eyes laid upon them, they would light up, revealing the boundless love and affection he held in his heart. His selfless nature, profound love, and deep compassion will continue to shine brightly through his granddaughters, just as the unwavering strength and stubbornness of his beloved wife, Mary Kathryn, also live on within them.

Mickey was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Mary Kathryn Milam; his sister and brother-in-law Marcia and Ed Hencinski; his niece Kelley Singleton; and many other dear family members.

He is survived by his two daughters, Ashley Milam (Jae) and Katy Thomas; his two granddaughters Taylor Wells (Brandon) and Lauren Thomas; his great granddaughter, Elzie Wells; his sisters Beverly Singleton (Earl) and Mary Pat Rogers (Danny); and several nieces, nephews, and other family members and precious lifelong friends who admired and loved him.

Mickey had a deep appreciation for flowers, but as a funeral director, he also knew the considerable effort involved in moving them all around. With a twinkle in his eye, he’d ask that, in lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations be made to Community Hospice who cared for him so compassionately, to his well-loved home church First United Methodist Church 419 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 or Countryside Christian School 10926 NW 39th Avenue where his granddaughters attended.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 4-6pm at Milam Funeral Home, 311 S Main Street and a Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10am at First United Methodist Church with a fellowship and lunch with family provided by his beloved home church in the fellowship hall.

Burial will be private in Evergreen Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the wonderful care of Milam Funeral Home, Inc.

Parking and shuttle service is graciously and generously provided as an honor to Uncle Mickey by Rick Williams and staff if closer parking is needed at their 404 N Main Street Location.