Roger Milam

Roger Arling Milam was born January 4, 1945 in Nashville, TN and died January 17, 2023 peacefully in his sleep after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Roger was a man of integrity.  He was a loving, loyal, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Roger was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Milam. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margy Milam, son Erik Milam, daughter-in-law Michelle Milam, granddaughter Grace Milam, and grandson Cannon Milam; brothers Jack Milam (Vicki) and Edwin Milam; nieces Laine Arnold (Sammie), Sarah Stringfellow (Sean), Meghan Milam (Dylan), Mara Milam; nephews Aaron Milam (Rachel) and Jansen Milam (Christine).

Roger graduated salutatorian from Battle Ground Academy. He went on to attend Washington & Lee University where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and Vanderbilt University Law School. When the military came calling, Roger joined the Navy. He completed Officer Candidate School where he graduated Regimental Commander, delivered the graduation speech, and received a gold watch. He spent three years on active duty, including a tour of duty in Vietnam onboard the USS DeHaven as Communications Officer. Upon honorary discharge from active duty, Roger joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and retired as Captain in 1995.

In his private law practice, Roger did exceptional work for clients related to fidelity and surety law matters. He then served with distinction as the United States District Court Clerk, Middle District of Tennessee.  Roger was a member of the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and honored as a Nashville Bar Foundation Fellow.

Fortunately, Roger retired early to enjoy many hobbies before his Alzheimer’s disease took over. He loved playing and collecting guitars, working at Cotton Music as a luthier, and riding motorcycles across the country with other retired lawyers. Known affectionately as “Jailbird,” Roger enjoyed being a part of the Single Action Shooting Society’s War Trace Regulators where he was honored as Cowboy of the Year in 2007.

His family thanks Mona Barz and Theresa Carrington at Alive Hospice.  We also thank the entire staff at Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland for their loving care of Roger. Special thanks and love to Jackie, Diane, Jennifer, Rachel, Emile, and Nathan at Clare Bridge.  We will miss you!

Services for Roger will be held Friday, February 3, 2023, at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens 9090 Hwy 100 Nashville, TN 37221. Visitation 12:30pm; Celebration of Life 1:30pm, followed by a reception in the pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or mail checks payable to:

Alzheimer’s Association (memo line: TN chapter #208) 1801 West End Ave Suite 200
Nashville, TN, 37203