Milton John Armistead, 91 passed away peacefully March 13, 2016 at Emory L. Bennett State Veteran’s Nursing Home in Daytona Beach, FL. Milton was born in Bourbon, Mississippi on June 10, 1924 to Iree Lucile Griffin and John Presnall Armistead, Jr. At a young age he and his family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Milton attended Crane High School. He entered military service on January 23, 1943 and was honorably discharged on April 1, 1946 He served in the 89th Infantry Division. One of his fond memories was of opening the car door for Lucille Ball and spending some time with her when she visited the troops. He served in France, England and Scotland. Milton received the American Theatre Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was very mechanically inclined and worked in Chicago for Link-Belt as an assembler for 45 cents an hour and also at Lincoln Schluder before entering the service. After the war he worked for Greyhound repairing their buses. Milton moved to Florida in the 1960’s where he had extended family. He worked at the University of Florida as an electrician for many years before poor eyesight forced his retirement. Milton is survived by his sister, Audrey L. Widick of Gainesville, FL, nephew Richard Widick of Chicago, Illinois, and niece Peggy Flaws of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, his uncle Byrd Griffin of Chiefland, FL, and his aunt Dell Carr of Gainesville, FL. He is also survived by many great nieces, nephews and cousins, including his cousin Dr. Bruce Stechmiller, his beloved physician. He is preceded in death by his parents John P. Armistead and Iree L. Griffin; one sister Mary Sobolik, and one brother Robert lane Armistead. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday March 21, 2016 at the Milam Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Chiefland Cemetery in Chiefland, FL.
