Mr. Stephen M. Milam

Acclaimed author George R.R. Martin aptly explains, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once.” Steve Milam, without question, is a man who lived those thousand lives, and then some. One book or another always in hand, Steve was quick to steal five minutes in the company of the written word. And, there, he lived among the greats – deep sea fishing off Bemini with Hemingway; traversing Middle Earth with Tolkien; shooting big game in the long grass with Capstick. Beyond those pages, Steve wrote his own memorable story, touching the lives of those he encountered in countless ways until his passing, much too soon, on July 26, 2022, at the age of 64. Stephen McPeake Milam was born on September 22, 1957, the son of Arba Milam Taylor and Herbert Milam. Born on his mother’s birthday, he was beloved from the moment he entered this world. A natural student and a skilled marksman, when Steve was not patrolling the hardwoods of the family farm in Stringtown for wayward squirrels with his cousins, he was captivating his classmates with his seemingly endless knowledge of everything from Cortes’ expeditions to the seating capacity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Steve graduated from Lexington High School in 1975. He then obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee at Martin. In 1982, Steve obtained is Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law, after which, he returned home to begin his law practice – one that would thrive and serve his home community for 40 years. In the courtroom, Steve’s keen intellect, combined with his natural charm, established his reputation as a consummate counselor. From the house on Main Street, Steve provided expert legal advice while curating the perfect spot to showcase the spoils of another great love: Hunting. An avid hunter, from bullfrogs to charging lions, Steve’s adventures were extraordinary – African safaris; white-water rafting the crocodile infested Zambezi River; bear hunts in Canada and wood bison and wolf hunts along the Arctic; wing-shooting in Argentina, New Zealand, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, and across much the contiguous United States. And when he returned – whether from a different continent or a different county – it was to adoring family and friends eager to hear his tales. Steve leaves behind many loved ones who will continue to tell his stories: His adoring wife of nearly 14 years, June, who he married on the first day of spring at high noon (a tribute to one of his favorite movies); his mother, Arba Milam Taylor; his children, Stephen McPeake Milam II and his wife Jacy; Jennifer Milam Lankford and her husband Brent; William Johnson Milam and his wife Roberta. And, of course, his step-children: Shara Beecham Begani and her husband Nate, along with Derek L. Beecham. Steve is also survived by his many grandchildren: Story, Shep, Catherine, Clark, Walt, Max, Anne, Mae, James, Lochlan, and Lincoln, all of whom have parents charged with ensuring that Grandaddy is remembered – his big voice, hearty laugh, and of course, that handsome mustache. Steve will also be remembered by countless friends – those who joined him to watch the Saturday night fights; or kept him company in duck blinds and goose pits, along fence rows, field edges, behind working bird dogs or baying rabbit beagles; along with numerous colleagues who stood alongside him in the courtroom; and the especially lucky ones who had the opportunity to join him for a good meal, a glass of whiskey, and captivating conversation. Indeed, Steve is gone too soon, but may his story forever continue in the fond remembrances and the hearts of those he held dear. Family and friends may gather to honor Steve’s life on Saturday, July 30th at Pafford Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., with the memorial service to immediately follow. Pallbearers include: Stephen Milam, Bill Milam, Stan McPeake, Richard Walker, Ken Walker, Benjamin Walker, Andrew McPeake, Jack Hinson, Johnny Melton, Jeff Powers, Cole Wood, Jim Meyers, Steve Beal, and David Turner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mr. Stephen M. Milam

September 22, 1957 - July 26, 2022