Dr. Jeffrey Lynn Milam, age 63, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2022, in his home in Gulf Breeze, FL.

After graduating from Lexington High School, Lexington, TN, Dr. Milam attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. He then attended East Tennessee State University, receiving his medical degree, followed by a three-year surgery residency at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. Dr. Milam completed his medical training at Vanderbilt University with a fellowship specializing in cardiac anesthesiology. He had an intense love of learning and while at Vanderbilt received many accolades.

Dr. Milam spent his medical career in cardiac anesthesiology. He was a compassionate, curious doctor who made it his business to help each and every patient he cared for. He touched hundreds of lives with an open caring heart and held the belief that each person is important, no matter who we are or where we come from. His skill and compassion for his patients led to him being admired by colleagues and patients alike.

Besides medicine, Dr. Milam loved to work with his hands. He didn't hesitate to take on any new challenge – stone masonry, woodworking, to name just a few. He enjoyed music and playing the guitar and was an avid golfer, practicing and constantly trying to become a better player. He cared deeply for the environment and regularly walked the beach with his beloved dogs Bailey and Lucy near his home while removing countless bags of trash.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary S. Milam; a brother, Billy Milam; as well as a sister, Linda Armstrong.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Milam of Gulf Breeze; three children, Amanda James, of Nashville, TN, Michele Milam, of Clarksville, TN, and John Brandon "Jabe" (Allison) Milam of Bucksport, ME; three grandchildren, Josia Mutakubwa and Aisha Mutakubwa, of Nashville, TN, and Leo Browers of Clarksville, TN; one brother, Gerald (Sharon) Milam of Springfield, OH; two sisters, Brenda (Doug) Alexander of Clarkston, MI, and Darlene (Tom) Roberts of Cookeville, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

Dr. Milam was a lifelong Christian who took his faith seriously. He and Diana attended church regularly. In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held 5:00pm until a Memorial Mass to begin at 5:30pm Thursday, July 28, 2022, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze, FL, with Msgr. Luke Hunt celebrant.

Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Operation Smile ( www.operationsmile.org ) which provides cleft palate surgery free of charge to children in under-served areas of the world.

May God comfort us and all who mourn.