Billy Gene Milligan Sr., age 87, of Rover. Ar. passed away May 11, 2026. He was born February 15, 1939 in Tuckerman, AR. to John and Hester Milligan.

His family moved to California before he graduated from high school. He lived there with his family and moved to Rover in 1972.

He was married to Evie, the mother of his sons, Billy Gene Milligan Jr. and Kevin Ray Milligan. Billy and wife Mona live in Phoenix, Arizona Kevin and wife Anita live in Rover, AR.  Billy has a daughter Devin and a son Kellyn.  Devin and husband Tyler Hamm live in Idaho. They have four children, Avelean, Olyvia, Laim, and Finley. Kellyn has a son Cohen and lives in Yucca Valley, California.

Kevin has a son Ryan and a daughter, Jennifer. Ryan has three children, Cutter, Carsyn, and Camdn. Their mother is Melissa. Jennifer and Phillip Lawrence have two children Rhett Mikael and Charli-Rae Rose, they live in Plainview.

Bill remarried to Janette Russell in 1986 and he became the step-dad of her six children.  Monica & Russell Gates of Mt. George, Danny & Trena Russell of Dardanelle, Tammy & Russ Buchman of Scranton, Duwayne & Judy Russell of Harvey, Marsha & Troy Minnie of Rogers, Damon & Amanda Russell of Rogers.

He was truly blessed with an abundance of the best grandchildren (24) and great-grandchildren (32) that you would ever want.

Donna and Sharon Millgan are Bill's sisters. They are originally from Indio, California.

Bill was a truck driver most of his life and drove the Two Rivers School bus for several years, which he loved.

He is a member of the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. He was the song leader at the Rover Baptist Church for many years. He loved to sing for the Lord and sang with the gospel group, "Rovers for Jesus" for eight years. Other members of the group were Elvin McDill, William Price, Kevin Milligan, Scott Warren and Janette Milligan.

Bill was preceded in death by his dad and mom and sister. They were all from Indio, California.

Pallbearers include Ryan Milligan, Cutter Hance, Camdn Milligan, Jacob Gates, Aulston Minnie, Damon Russell. Honorary pallbearers include Billy Marshall and Phillip Lawrence.

Memories are the hearts way of keeping friends and family always close.

Funeral service 2:30 p Saturday May 16, 2026 at the Rover Baptist Church. Visitation will be 1:30 to 2:30 pm before the service at the church.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville