David M. Milligan

Published 1:00 am Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Mr. David M. Milligan, 84, a resident of 109 Oak Drive, Washington, died Monday, April 11, 2011, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

David M. Milligan

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, conducted by Father Arturo Cabra and Dr. Jimmy Moore. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

Mr. Milligan was born in Durham, N.C., April 27, 1926, to John and Estelle Milligan. His foster parents were Uncle James (Bud) and Aunt Mary Dossett. His early education was at Nazareth Catholic Orphanage; Holy Name School; Catholic Latin, Raleigh; Don Bosco, Ramsay, N.J.; Durham High School. He graduated from UNC School of Journalism, Chapel Hill, 1952; BS East Carolina University, 1978; MA, ECU, 1982; Certificate of Advanced Study in Elementary Education, 1984. He was a member of Mother of Mercy Catholic Church.

Mr. Milligan served in the U.S. Army July 1945 through May 1947. He worked at the Washington Daily News from 1952-1967 and wrote a daily column, “Milligan Stew,” that won wide acclaim from newspaper circles and was recognized by the Washington City Council “for presenting to the public the facts and issues in his column whether it involved council’s action or one of the city; he took it upon himself to explain the facts in order that the public could be better informed. On many occasions, the column was used to promote issues of great community concern such as recreation, housing renewal, beautification, welfare, planning, zoning, and a host of other matters important to the growth and betterment of the community and good government.” Mrs. Ford Worthy said, “He was always on the side of the angels.”

He won several awards from the Associated Press and the N.C. Press Association for outstanding feature writing. Dave was a stringer for the “News and Observer” and the “Virginian Pilot.” He served as General Education Director at the Beaufort Technical Institute, and was Publisher and Editor of the “Beaufort-Hyde News” in Belhaven. He taught fourth grade at Chocowinity Primary School from August 1978 until he retired in June 1994. East Carolina University Council for Teacher Education presented him with the Outstanding Education Award in 1989. He served on several Southern Association School Accreditation Committees.

Dave was interested in Civic affairs and was active in JayCees, coaching in city recreation programs; PTO, Washington High Boosters Club, and Knights of Columbus. He served on the Redevelopment Commission of the City of Washington 1967-1972 and was presented a Certificate for Outstanding Service for superior accomplishment in carrying out urban renewal activities to improve the environment and living conditions of the people of Washington.

He was chairman of the Redevelopment Commission in 1969 when Stewart Parkway was dedicated.  He was saluted on WNCT-TV as “Today’s Outstanding North Carolina Citizen” December 20, 1970.

He is remembered by niece, Dr. Tracy Tuten Jones, as “Someone who inspires me still with his passion for storytelling, and teaching.”

Dave is survived by his dedicated wife and son, Joyce Tuten Milligan and Michael (Mike) Allen Milligan of Winterville. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John, William, Theodore, and nephew Patrick.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at the home, 109 Oak Drive, Washington.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home and Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Milligan family.

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