Rufford Milton

Funeral services for Rufford Milton, resident of Oak Park, Illinois formerly of Marksville, will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 beginning at 11am at the Star Light Baptist Church in Hickory Hill with Rev. Van Keith Jones officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 beginning at 9am until 11am. Burial will be held at the church cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Escude Funeral Home.
Rufford Milton, age 84, conceded to his eternal rest on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. He was born to the late Earl Milton & Really Jones Milton in Marksville. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Anderson & Sedonia Jones; paternal grandparents, Gabe & Lavinia Milton; parents, Earl & Really Milton, brother, Hubert Milton; nephews: Cartrese Milton & Wendell Milton; great niece, Rosalind Milton; mother-in-law, Lillie Mae; sister-in-law, Sandra Lewis.
Those left to cherish his memories: his wife of 54 years, Savannah Mae Sampson Milton; three children: R. Cortez Milton (Kennitah), Debbiereneca Muhammad (Rolanda), Earl Anthony Milton (Lawanita); thirteen grandchildren: Cortez, Savell, Amber, Laniece, Latesha, Maite, Kareem, Earl Jr. Antonio, Ranisha, & Messiah; and twenty-two great-grandchildren; sister, Verlie Mae Brown; brother-in-law, Louis Brown; sister-in-law, Hazel Milton, brother-in-law, Alfred Sampson, Sr. (Anna), sister-in-law, Ella Johnson, brother-in-law, Davis Lewis, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, & friends.
Rufford Milton was an accomplished survivor who made sure his family never went without. He gave back to the community in every place he dwelled. He was a Veteran of foreign wars in the U.S. Army; Bachelor's degree, graduate, & alumni of Grambling State University; he was a teacher, basketball coach, newspaper columnist, husband & father. While in Chicago, he was a bus driver, councilman, & Alderman Nominee; and reward recipient of various honors in the city of Chicago. He was also a Grant writer, director, business owner, President of non-for-profit organizations, Sunday school teacher, and Star Light Baptist Church Member.
Some of the institutions that Rufford worked for or with were: Bunkie High School, California schools, Chicago public schools, West Garfield newspaper, Marksville Speaks newspaper, West Garfield Planning Council, Chicago Little League Organizer, Off the Street Boys & Girls Club, Two time McDonald's Owner/Operator, Hickory Hill Community Council President, Inviter of the Grambling State University Marching Band to Marksville, Really Milton Memorial Fund President, Really Milton & Peggy Lila Walking Trails Host, "CAMP" Community Action Memorial Plan Creator, founder of a faith based store/owner of Hickory Hills own "Hickory Hill Pack & Go convenience store" at 455 Isaac Brouillette Rd.
Rufford Milton left Hickory Hill at a young age and experienced the world. In his retirement days, his dream was to give back to Hickory Hill. He wanted to re-create the wonderful things he learned in his lifetime for the youth of Hickory Hill. We hope that the people of Hickory Hill will continue to make this dedicated dream come true and create the boys & girls club that he wanted for the now & future generations of his hometown.

Visitation

Star Light Baptist Church
295 Starlight Baptist Church Rd
Marksville, LA  71351
Saturday, February 7, 2015
9am-11am

Service

Funeral Service

Star Light Baptist Church
295 Starlight Baptist Church Rd
Marksville, LA  71351
Saturday, February 7, 2015
11am

Cemetery

Star Light Baptist Cemetery
295 Starlight Baptist Church Rd
Marksville, LA  71351