Rufus Lee Milam, 84, of Jacksonville passed away peacefully at his residence on August 23, 2025. He was born in Mohegan, WV on March 14, 1941. He was the son of Rufus and Mary Milam. Rufus served in the USMC for 21 years and continued a civil service career for 34 years until he retired at age 75 in 2016. He married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life Phyllis Barker in 1959.

Rufus is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis Barker Milam.

Rufus is survived by five daughters, Debbie Brinson and husband, Michael of Chinquapin, Pamela Dixon of Jacksonville, Judy Graham and husband, Scott of Timberlake, Glenda Milam of Jacksonville and Jennifer Milam of Swansboro; and "adopted" daughter, Jane Coltabaugh; and one son Michael Milam and wife, Electa of Richlands. Eight grandchildren, Chrystal Brinson, Amanda Brinson Dempsey, Jonathan Dixon, Alex Milam, Jake Milam, Caleb Graham, Lily Brannon and Emily Long; and 3 great grandchildren, Moriah Dixon, Colton Dempsey and Peter Graham.

Family will hold a viewing on Thursday Aug 28 from 6-7 at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A funeral will be held on Friday Aug 29 at Onslow Memorial Park in Jacksonville at 1 PM with Rev Crandall Fountain officiating.