LCDR Raymond Floyd Milburn USN (Ret.), 93 of Pensacola, FL., passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Ray was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma (along with his twin brother, Richard) on February 4th, 1933 to his proud parents, Joseph & Wilhelmina (Joe & Billie to anyone that knew them) and an older brother, Joe Jr. Ray’s father managed an office for a corporate dry cleaning service and his mother was a gifted piano player at First Christian Church where they all attended services. Joe Sr was a pipe-smoking low key personality and Billie was vivacious and loved her boys!

Ray & Richard were inseparable as kids, always looking for adventure and any new challenge, which got them in trouble from time to time. But they were hard workers and determined to make their mark in the world, often finding odd jobs to earn a few extra bucks which wasn’t easy during the Depression. In the summer, as teenagers, they worked at a local farm driving the crew of laborers out to the fields and then driving back and unloading the produce that was collected, along with any other work they could find on the farm. They also delivered newspapers and worked at a golf course as caddies as well as driving the “ball-picker” out on the driving range. Dad always said it was a bit scary because the golfers would aim for the truck and it made an awful loud “whack” when it hit the cage.

As young men, the twins, along with a friend named John Atchley (who later became a Hollywood movie star), joined a fraternity (Sigma Chi) at Oklahoma State University. Here again the boys worked parttime at a sorority on campus serving meals to the ladies, general housekeeping, and doing maintenance work. This helped finance their education.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Ray signed on with the United States Navy’s Flight Training at Pensacola NAS. It was during this time, Ray fell in love with Patti Hadley, a local girl who had a host of suitors. So much so that he spent a good bit of time on her front porch getting to know her mom while waiting for her to come home from the dates before his. The flight school proved not to be a good fit. Patti laid down a threat to walk away if he didn’t quit due to a plane crash she heard about on the radio. She was on edge since the Navy wouldn’t give her any information since they weren’t married. Ray soon opted for the Supply Corps and, after a quick marriage ceremony at the courthouse, he was shipped off to supply school. This was quite a trial for the newlyweds, but after a year they managed to have a baby girl (Debbie) in between duty assignments. And, before a 2 yr tour in Pensacola was done, they had a baby boy (Scott) too.

Ray’s first overseas tour was in Nice, France, but most of the time was spent apart while he served a year on the USS Springfield as the Supply Officer in Charge. It was tough on Patti with two young toddlers, but it was a beautiful locale and she managed to learn a good bit of French to get by. The family even got to travel to a few ports while staying on the ship in Ray’s quarters. Tight accommodations but they made it work. They also got to go on numerous excursions and tours around Europe inc Lisbon, Portugal; Pisa, Italy; Athens, Greece and many more.

Next tour was in Sanford, Florida. More schools, but the office work kept the family together most of the time. Then it was to Seoul, Korea. It was here Patti began to work with the Officers Wives Club doing volunteer and philanthropic work. One project included taking American government-funded supplies to a Korean orphanage. It was because of this work that the family decided to adopt a 5yr old girl, Insook Young (whom they gave a more anglicized name, Melia). She quickly became one of the family, learned English in a few months, and was naturalized as a US citizen upon returning to the USA.

Ray’s next assignment was in Chester, Virginia (near landlocked Richmond, unusual for a Navy job) where he worked at the Defense General Supply Center, a huge installation of warehouses. Here he oversaw moving personnel in and out and keeping things working smoothly. He always said this was his favorite tour, maybe because Patti began to discover her art talent and began to build a business of her own.

From here it was on to Corpus Christi, Texas where Ray oversaw three South Texas base commissaries. It was a heavy load, but all his employees loved him and the operation was smooth and efficient. He received several commendations and promotions. He made a move to Beeville, Texas when logistics demanded an office move. It was in Texas that Dad became an ordained deacon and began to spend much of his time working with the church (Palmcrest Baptist Church).

LCDR Milburn’s final tour was at Pt. Mugu, California. They experienced a flood and mudslide here but recovered and soon honorably discharged from the Navy. He retired back in Pensacola, Florida and with the kids all married or in college the couple began to work full-time in the art business. Ray was becoming quite the professional framer and really enjoyed the travel all around the country to art shows. This work financed a college education for all three kids. They attended Olive Baptist Church and while there was introduced to the foster child program. They decided to work with the infant section. It wasn’t long before they adopted one of their charges with the mother and father’s permission as they were unable to care for their child. David became a new member of the family.

Before David finished high school, Patti passed away due to complications from a nasty fall and left Ray on his own to finish raising David.

Ray’s last few years provided a lot of physical hardships, but he strove to stand strong as much as possible. Through COVID and then joining Hillcrest Baptist Church, his few cherished friendships along with his close relationship to his daughter, Debi, and her husband, George, sustained him and kept him going till God called him home on Sept 21st, 2026 after struggling with his health. He will be greatly missed.

Ray is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Patti Milburn; parents, Joe Milburn and Billie Milburn and two brother, Joe Milburn, Jr. and Richard Milburn.

He is survived by his children, Deborah Phillips (George), Scott Milburn (Deborah), Melia Clark (Ron) and David Milburn.

A visitation will be held from 11:30 am until the funeral service begins at 12:30 pm on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Brad Woods officiating. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, it would be an honor to Ray to donate to Dr. Anna Lopez's senior dog rescue operation on PayPal@AnnaLopez187 or Venmo @Anna-Lopez-96 (last 4 ph#2652) or a ck written and sent to: Anna Lopez 4507 Lavallet Ln Pensacola Fl 32504. Dr. Lopez, a retired veterinarian, took in Ray's 15yr old dog when he could no longer care for her. She is in the process of launching her non-profit dedicated to providing a safe haven for older dogs and those dogs senior citizens can no longer care for by adopting and rehoming them.