Celebrating the life of
Charlie Milmine
September 25, 1939 - March 11, 2026
Charles “Charlie” Edward Milmine
September 25, 1939 – March 11, 2026
“Carry on.” Charlie Milmine paid heed to his own refrain a final time on March 11, 2026, and carried himself on to the Great Beyond, no doubt with his chin high, shoulders square, and chest full, and his bowtie fast. He slipped from this world so tranquilly that his family surrounding him failed to notice his last moment here, which was likely precisely as he willed it.
Charlie was known to those who loved him by a host of different names and titles. Most called him simply “Deacon,” though the origins of that nickname were murky, and he was certainly never ordained as one. To his grandchildren, he was “Dagby,” a mangled version of “Grampy,” which he graciously accepted and embraced, the mangler being his first granddaughter. In his later years, he faithfully carried on the Great Traditions of his family by reluctantly inheriting the title “Big P” from his late cousin, the P standing for Patriarch.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Parsons Milmine and Mary Parker Milmine; his father-in-law, Carl Denton Wheeler, and mother-in-law, Clemewell Fletcher Wheeler; sister-in-law Sarah Wheeler Tison and brother-in-law Joseph Southwood Tison; his nephew, Peter Reed; his cousins, George Quaile and Will Theus Quaile; and his lifelong friends, Michael Carley, George Gurney, and Jim “Zip” Vary, who no doubt poured him a bourbon to mark their reunion after nearly six decades apart.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Rebecca Wheeler Milmine; her daughter, Taylor Stone Summerell, who he raised and loved as his own, and his granddaughter, Liza Fair Summerell, and grandson, Christopher Parsons Summerell; his son, George Parsons Milmine II, granddaughters Sadie Ann Milmine and Bentley Rebecca Milmine, and grandson, Charles Edward Milmine II; his sister, Katherine Milmine Reed, and nieces Karen Reed (Stephen), Katrina R. Lande (Mike), and Kristin R. Favour (Lee); sister-in-law Mollie Wheeler Stone, and nephews Ty Stone (Tricia), Denton Stone (Brooke), and niece Mary S. Boyle (Brendan); nieces Kate Tison Bachrach (Alex) and Lawton Tison Carrescia (Dave), and nephews Joseph S. Tison, Jr. (Tina) and R. Fletcher Tison (Kristen), all of whom merit mention by name here because of the singular bond that Deacon forged with each one, and they with him; his Quaile cousins; and by dozens of grand-nephews and grand-nieces, who knew him as “Uncle Bubba,” yet another title he accepted without complaint. He is also survived by his friend Richard “Dicky” T.B. Stone, who was far more to him than the best friend that any man’s wife’s ex-husband has ever been. All those who remain here after him were marked in some indelible way by his love for them, expressed and conveyed in his deep and abiding interests in their lives and paths.
Charlie was born on September 25, 1939, and raised in Lakeville, Connecticut. His father was a professor and assistant Headmaster at Hotchkiss Preparatory School, and his mother was an early activist for a host of causes related to women’s rights. By his own retelling, the setting of his childhood – a house named Wildwood atop a gentle hill - was idyllic. He spent his days freely wandering the woods and pastures of rural New England, and his nights finding trouble with Mike and George. His summers and holidays were spent variously at his great uncle Joe’s cabin on Narrows Island, Maine, and tromping through the brackish duck ponds and over the driftwood-strewn beaches of Wassaw Island, Georgia. Both places were dear to his heart, but it was on Narrows and in the remotest reaches of Downeast Maine where Charlie found peace beyond compare.
He attended Indian Mountain School, led there on foot in all seasons by his patient sister Kat. From there, he boarded at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, graduating in its class of 1957. While at Exeter, he played football, hockey, and skied, “lettering in all and distinguishing himself in none,” in his own words.
Charlie happily reunited with Mike and George at Brown University, where Zip unwittingly became the fourth member of their ragged little lifelong brotherhood. With them, Charlie was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and of certain other societies, all now defunct. He played hockey for the Brown Bears, where his primary role as a third-shift defenseman was to place himself in the way of the opponent’s best forward, and remain there, which he often achieved by falling in his path and remaining there. His methods earned him a scar from redirecting a puck with his helmetless head, and more minutes spent in the penalty box than on the ice.
While at Brown, he enrolled in its ROTC, and upon graduation in 1962, enlisted in and graduated from the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia. Though reluctant to discuss his own combat service, the title of Marine was one of which Charlie was deeply proud. He served two tours abroad during the escalating Vietnam conflict and remained in the USMC active reserves for four years after, eventually mustering out honorably with the rank of Captain. The Vietnam War claimed the life of his closest friend, Mike Carley, in 1967. Charlie never forgot or ceased to mourn the loss of Mike, and there is peace to be had in imagining their long-awaited reunion.
After active service, Charlie pursued a career in forestry, obtaining a Graduate Certificate from the University of Maine and a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan (“Go Blue!”). He spent countless hours, and often days and weeks, in old-growth forests from Oregon to Maine. It was during these years that Charlie cultivated a reverence for our nation’s untamed, unspoiled places.
He embarked on a career with a national lumber company which took him from Chicago to Brewton, AL, where he managed its southeastern timber-cutting operations. After a divorce, he returned a bachelor to Savannah, Georgia – this time, to live. Upon his
return, he accepted the Directorship of the Savannah Science Museum. His leadership was visionary, and regrettably, before its time. Nonetheless, many Savannahians now in their 40s and 50s will remember sprinting through the chambers of its human heart exhibit. Charlie’s children remember the weasel and otter that ran around freely in his office.
During his tenure as Director, Charlie met and quickly became enamored with, both Becky and the toddler daughter she had in tow, Taylor. The wait before he realized his purpose was to remain in their lives was not a long one. In 1979, he proposed to Becky on Narrows Island, and then married her on Wassaw Island. Very soon after, their son George arrived, making Charlie a first-time father at the age of 40.
Upon the untimely closure of the Savannah Science Museum, Charlie formed and ran a solar energy company, Alternative Energy Systems, Inc., installing solar water heating systems around the region. At the age of 50, Charlie announced to his family at supper that the final act of his happily wandering career path would be as an educator. He called St. Andrew’s School to inquire about any open positions, and was informed of a need for a computer teacher. By his own retelling, he replied, “I’m your man,” despite knowing little to nothing of computer systems. He hurriedly purchased an Apple, installed it at his Easy Street home, and spent long nights hunched over instructional manuals, all in an effort to sound barely more knowledgeable about late-1980s computer systems than his grade-school students.
Eventually, Charlie’s teaching career led him to St. Vincent’s Academy, where his bowtie became an institution. While there, he taught all that he could think to teach, and coached every sport in need of one. He formed and ran the St. Vincent’s soccer program, despite having never played the beautiful game. He coached track and field, though no one ever witnessed him run. He started robotics clubs and chess clubs and bocce clubs, sometimes beginning them with a membership of a single student.
As a teacher, he was often – by his own admission - learning the subject matter of his courses literally as he taught it. Nonetheless, Charlie managed to win PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) honors, being selected by four of his highest-achieving students as the teacher singularly most instrumental in their academic development. For him, the subject matter of the classes he taught was never as important as the one skill he strived to impart upon those he taught. To put it as plainly as Charlie did, he implored his students simply to think. And many did, because of him. In this way, his impact upon his community and beyond has endured beyond measure.
He retired from teaching in 2005, but remained active in too many nonprofits to list here. At various points of his life both before and after his retirement, he served as the United Way’s Director of Allocations, willingly becoming the lightning rod for criticism from area charities competing for desperately needed resources. He founded and played
a crucial role in sustaining the Caretta Project on Wassaw Island, a program in which aspiring marine biologists summer on the island and protect and monitor the nests of loggerhead sea turtles. He was an active member and proponent of the Council on World Affairs. He volunteered countless hours at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Thrift Store (and enjoyed regifting the most useless items donated there). He volunteered his time as an Ogeechee Riverkeeper. He believed in and advocated for energy efficiency. He was unrelentingly curious, doggedly civic-minded, and he poured himself into, and donated generously to, organizations devoted to protecting the Earth. Charlie’s causes were central to his life. He spoke, wrote, and lived in accord with what he believed was right.
As steadfast as he was in his beliefs, Charlie never lost a single friend, or so much as alienated a single acquaintance, because of them. This was attributable to his disarming demeanor and his self-effacing nature. He never spoke of himself, and rarely agreed to address any gathering of people; yet he invariably made his audience feel like the only person in any room, no matter how crowded it was. He was quietly dignified, and patient and calm, no matter the message. He never needed to seek respect or the benefit of another’s doubt, because he gave those measures to others first. He never conceded defeat when there was any reason to fight on, whether the battle was against Alzheimer’s, pain, or someone peering at him across a cribbage board.
Unless the occasion called for an Oxford and a bowtie, Charlie cared little for his appearance. Often to his family’s dismay - or more likely, because of it- he wore every piece of clothing he was given, or which he alone found to be practical. He wore overalls, and he was never without a knife. Charlie’s sense of humor manifested itself in a deadpan running commentary, delivered so nonchalantly that it led us to wonder if he even understood how funny he was. He engaged in long-running, elaborate gags in which he found more hilarity than anyone else, a singular trait which endeared him to everyone else. He laughed with us and at us, and always at himself. He was utterly incapable of making small talk. Unsuspecting waiters and cashiers who greeted Charlie with a “how are you today?” quickly found themselves mystified by his responses: “feeling like a big deal,” “ready for the dancing girls,” or “big-boned.”
Above all his other attributes, Charlie personified humility and devotion. He answered to both Taylor and his son George as Deacon, without ever issuing any clarification or correction, until George finally became old enough to apprehend on his own that he was the only person on the planet who could call him Dad. Which George did, proudly, from then on. Charlie closed every piece of earnest correspondence he ever sent to his family and friends with, “Your devoted…” followed by whichever of his many titles its recipient used for him – Dagby, Deacon, Uncle Bubba, Big P, Chas, or Dad. Those who Charlie loved never needed any reminders of his devotion to them. He loved unfailingly and completely, and no one could be more deserving of the love he received in return. Though he has died, Charlie earned our undying devotion.
Charlie’s life will be remembered at a memorial service conducted at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Isle of Hope on an April day, which shall be shared when determined by his family. Please do not send flowers. Instead, his family prefers donations be made to any one of the charities named in this obituary, or alternatively, to any cause dedicated to preserving the wildness of a place loved by the donor.
Charlie’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Adam Novack, and to the nurses and staff of Harmony, Comfort Keepers, Georgia Hospice Care, and Azalealand Nursing Home.
Oh Charlie...indeed you were the gag master..often coming to my house and leaving a small doo-dad tucked away in some semi obscure spot...and waiting for me to discover it and I never did find it....so you tried another tactic by actually removing something to see if I missed it...and again I never did...I think you were a little disappointed by my not catching on to your game...but we talked about it and laughed about it and it was fun...RIP my friend...
- Charlie Ellis, Savannah, Ga
Charlie and I were faculty buddies at both St. Andrew's and St. Vincent's. At SVA we had a group of seasoned soccer players but no soccer team. Guess who they. Asked to start one, and guess who said yes. Rest easy, my friend.
- Betty Peltier, Savannah, GA
Mr. Milmine was a kind, patient teacher at SVA who always had a thoughtful word to share with his students. Our time was better there because of his service to the school. Many prayers for his family and friends.
- Meg Hollis, Savannah, Georgia
So many fond memories of Mr. Milmine teaching me at SVA. Was always a kind and patient teacher and never without a smile. Always loved his bow ties! Later in life I had the joy of helping teach his 3 triplet grandchildren at IOHUMC Preschool. Sweetest children! May he rest in peace. Many prayers for his family.
- Caroline Pace Edwards, Savannah , GA
Charlie was a thoughtful colleague at St. Vincent's Academy where I got to know him as his assistant track coach and Environmental club moderators. I will never forget digging the hole to create a fish pond on our campus, with our students who came in flip flops. After getting their sneakers, Charlie patiently taught them to use a shovel. He was a great man and I thank his family for sharing him. My prayers are with you all.
- Donna Antonucci , Savannah , GA
I will forever miss my neighbor, the consummate gentleman and Marine. Charlie always greeted me with Good morning/afternoon/evening Colonel from across the yard. When he learned of my own son's entry into the Corps via OCS he never failed to check on his progress or shake his hand when he was home on leave! Charlie, I always looked forward to the Marine Corps Birthday, b/c I knew the Corps flag would fly proudly from your balcony! Rest easy Marine, we have the watch!
- LtCol (ret) Rob Creech, Savannah, GA
Charlie will be so missed. His pranks and sense of humor were next to none. A kind, loving spirit. We are happy we had a few years to know him. Much love and prayers being sent to Becky and family.
- Jane Stout and Michelle DiBiase, 12 BREEZY PALM WAY SAVANNAH GA 31406, GA
I was one of the lucky ones who called Charlie, colleague. In our years at St. Vincent Academy, I would venture upstairs to his classroom - the computer lab. If I timed it right, his students would be working on their assignments which gave me a few moments to sit and soak up Charlie's reassuring presence. I hold gratitude for those times, and for Charlie's presence among his colleagues and the student body. I have heard this said here in Maine, and I believe it to be true about Charlie. "He was the finest kind of man." Rest well, friend.
- Frank Marshall, Brunswick, Maine
Growing up 11 blocks north of the Science Museum, I spent many hours there as a kid learning and questioning and discovering. I had the very good fortune to be part of the first or, possibly, second summer group in the Caretta caretta project, discovering Wassaw and developing a deeper appreciation for the wonder and mystery of our Golden Isles. I am grateful for the leadership he provided and will remember him with appreciation. May the angels lead him into Paradise.
- Fr. Michael Kavanaugh, Savannah, GEORGIA
Dear Becky, Charlie's was a beautiful obituary for a beautiful man. Sending love to you and your family.
- Mimi Cay, Savannah, GA
Deepest condolences to Becky and the family.
- Margaret Kincaid, Savannah, GA
I served on the Savannah Science Museum board under Charlie's tenure as director. He loved science! He loved many things, and could wax poetic about all of them! What a great life he lived! Enjoyed reading about his adventures. Prayers sent for the family, friends and former students.
- Martha Nesbiy, Savannah, Georgia
What a man! I can only hope to one day inspire the same mixture of fear, delight, and respect that Charlie inspired for me and George's other friends. Sending lots of love to the whole Milmine crew.
- Zachary Lamb, Berkeley, CA, CA
Best wishes and fond thoughts to Becky and family. Charlie was in our lives when we were naive immigrants to the US and the introduction to Wassaw by him began our journey here. Taylor and Becky you are special to my memory of those times. Your generosity of spirit was an inspiration at that time. Much love Victoria/Vicky
- Victoria Robertson, Asheville, NC
Mr. Milmine has always held a special place in my heart. He was so patient with me as he worked with us on making the yearbook on computer (not quite so easy in the early 90s as it is now). He was an incredibly encouraging coach when we started the soccer team at SVA. He also took time to impart life wisdom upon us that didn't feel condescending. I have so many fond memories of him, and am so grateful for the investment he made in me.
- Lisa Scarbrough, Guyton, GA
What a life he lived! It is an honor to have been the student of such a remarkable man.
- Carlin Conleay Dixon, Honolulu , HI
Endless Grief and Love
- 1A, Provisence, RI
One of my favorite teachers at St. Vincent's. He was always so calm and kind. A great instructor and everyone loved taking his computer class. Take your rest Mr. Milmine, my sincere condolences to your family.
- Yasmin Brooker-Magwood , Savannah , GA
He was an absolute legend of a man and I will miss him dearly. He was one of the smartest and funniest people I have ever known. I remember the overalls well!!! Praying for God's Healing Hands for the entire Milmine Clan. Love always, Jimbo
- Jimbo Marshall, Savannah, GA
Becky and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time! Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest in Peace!
- Carolyn Beebe, Savannah, GA
Derivatively, I am a beneficiary of Charlie's dedicated stewardship of his beloved Narrows Island in Maine. Though I only met him once, I knew he was a singular and remarkable human being. Yet I had no idea of the many dimensions of his life, relationships, sense of humor, and quirky qualities that are delightfully shared in this loving remembrance. It brings Charlie to life for one at the cosmic periphery of his solar system, making me wish I had been among the inner planets. I'm grateful that life on Earth includes the grace and glory of beings like Charlie.
- Robert Fisher, Harrington Park, NJ
This is my first introduction to Charlie Milmine. I've never heard of him until today when a close friend directed me to this obituary. Reading here today, I feel enlightened, awed, inspired by the humanity and life-long devotion of Mr. Milmine to the people he befriended, instructed, or just plain said hello to. And the places where he made his mark by being there, taking it all in, and giving what he could imagine. I hope to take away the life-giving affinity I feel for Mr. Milmine and live a little differently. Thanks for the beautifully-written tribute.
- Shirley McPhillips, Dumont, NJ
Prayers of comfort for your loss. Thank you for sharing Mr. Milmine with us. As a former student, soccer player and community member there isn't enough space to list the ways Mr. Milmine shapped my love for learning. His infectious attitude always redirected us and he always kept us focused on the mission at hand. May you find some comfort in knowing he impacted so many.
- Laurie (Griggs) Williams, Conyers, GA
What an Saint and a beloved teacher! I had the pleasure of having Mr. Milmine as my homeroom teacher at St. Vincent's. All of our days were made better by his bowties and his warm smile. Prayers and condolences to his loved ones. Seeing him later in life at the Exchange on Waters. I will forever keep my last demerit, he left me one day along with his usual tip. He was a creature of habit. He was truly one of a kind.
- Katie Deal Brunton, Savannah, Georgia
My wife, Mary, who says the resemblance to her Dad is unreal) and I send our love and prayers to what seems like a wonderful family (possibly related to Judith Ann Chartier, who disappeared 6/6/1982 after an argument with her boyfriend). Had she just met him? I was at Yale then. Again, our condolences!!!!
- Samuel menefee, Charlottesville , Va
I met Charlie through the Science Museum and saw him several times on Wassaw while I worked on the Caretta Project. He was always supportive and will be missed by many.
- Bob Graham, Bailey, Colorado
As so well stated in the obituary, it would be impossible to list all of the organizations that Charlie was instrumental in and the people whose lives he helped shape, but I would like to add to that list. Back in February of 1977, while still a student at the fledgling College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, I attended an in-service training program for small museum and nature management that Charlie ran under the auspices of the Natural Science for Youth Foundation. It was an intensive 12-day residential program that provided the firm foundation I needed in administration to launch my dream career as a museum director. The workbook Charlie created for the program remained an invaluable reference manual until my retirement in 2017; now it's a cherished souvenir. Even more importantly, the program opened the door to a wonderful friendship with the Milmine family that spanned the years since, with memorable meet-ups in both Maine and Georgia. My husband, Jonathan Gormley and I are forever grateful for our invitation to Narrows Island that resulted in our rebranding as "the Goomies " IYKYK
- Nina Z. "Goomie" Gormley, Bar Harbor, ME
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
