William "Bill" D. Milligan 79, of Minerva passed away January 28, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on October 16, 1938 to the late Earl and Esther (Reid) Milligan in Buffalo, Ohio Guernsey County.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Judy (Petry) Milligan and five daughters: Kimberly (Marty) Binegar, Pamela (Steve) Shriver, Brenda (Steve) Sluss, Sherry (Jeff) Whitacre, and Robin Douglass.

Bill was a wonderful grandfather to thirteen grandchildren: Lucas (Jamie Grimm) Binegar, Ruthie (Thomas) Busek, Nathan (Jennifer) Shriver, Miranda (Neil) Pearce, Nehemiah (Katie) Shriver, Michelle Shriver, Mirissa (Josh) Johns, Sam (Lauren) Sluss, Emily (Jason) Thompson, Nick (Autumn) Whitacre, Whitney Whitacre, Isaac Douglass, and Miyah Douglass.

Bill was a proud great grandfather to fifteen great grandchildren: Sienna Binegar, Cecelia Binegar, Adalina Binegar, Adriana Grimm, Ava Grimm, Jaden Pearce, Juliauna Pearce, Josiah Shriver,  Naomi Shriver, Simon Johns, Stella Johns, Owen Sluss, Henry Thompson, Preston Whitacre, and Jeffery Joel Whitacre.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother Lavern (Moon) Milligan, stepfather Clinton Collins, and mother-in-law Ethel Petry whom he dearly loved.

After graduating Louisville High School, Bill served in the Army Reserves as a company clerk and worked for The Timken Company for 30 years. During his retirement he owned and operated Milligan Farms where he raised hydroponic tomatoes and operated a surplus building materials store. He also enjoyed selling Amish lawn furniture at Rogers Flea Market during the summers.

Bill was an accomplished athlete and sports enthusiast. His favorite sports were baseball and bowling. He loved to tell stories of his baseball playing and coaching days and of all the games he bowled a perfect or near-perfect score, which was the case more often than not.

Bill was a baptized member of the Minerva Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. His life revolved around his family and serving Jehovah God. He loved life and he loved people. He always looked for the best in people. He was always an optimist and always had a kind word. Bill will be missed by those who love and cherish him.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His favorite pastime was spending time with his wife, his daughters and each and every one of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Sunday February 18 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3713 Paris Avenue Minerva, Ohio..

Receiving will begin at 2:00 P.M.

The memorial service will begin at 3:00 P.M. Officiated by J C Wollam IV