Gary Norman Milnes

Gary N. Milnes, 77, of Harrah, passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2023, with his wife, Carolyn Milnes, and daughter, Anginette Lay, by his side. Gary was born in Washington DC on March 11, 1946, to Walt and Jean Milnes. Gary enlisted in the Airforce in 1964 and served as Air Operations Specialist at Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 where he was recognized for his service and received the Air Force Commendation Medal.

He married Carolyn in 1974, and when his son, Danny, was born in 1975, Gary gave his life to Jesus. This single act of faith allowed him to give his burdens to the only Father strong enough to carry them. As his relationship with God grew, he felt a calling to become a minister and received his Associates of Theology from Christ for the Nations. After graduating, he accepted his first role as a missionary to Japan for a summer when his children were still young. He served as a pastor and missionary to churches in Japan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Arkansas. While pastoring a church in Arkansas, Gary and Carolyn felt a calling to adopt a child. In God's grand way the adoption of Macy Dale Milnes took place in November of 1986. Through the years, they also served as foster parents to children with special needs, bridging the gap to their forever homes and sharing the unconditional love only God can give. This is the kind of home Gary built. He was a fierce protector and extraordinary provider. There is no greater gift a man can give his children than the gift of faith and unconditional love.

He is preceded in death by his parents Walt Milnes and Jean (Milnes) Stewart, and his brothers Richard Milnes and Kenneth Milnes.

He is survived by wife Carolyn Milnes, and his children Christa Harrell and husband Craig Harrell, Curt Milnes, Danny Milnes and wife Julie Milnes, Macy Milnes, and Anginette Lay and husband Nate Lay. He was blessed with ten grandchildren, Tyler and wife Mackenzie, Brittany, Tony, René, Rachel, Joshua and wife Emma, Dorian, Jace, Raegan, Kaia, and two great grandchildren, Nora and Rocky. Gary has one surviving sister, Chris, and brother, Stan, and many numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a donation be made in Gary’s honor to Disabled American Veterans at help.dav.org.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah. Burial will follow in the Memory Lane Cemetery of Harrah.

Arrangements are being made through Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net