COURTLAND — Milton T. Futrell, 97, passed away peacefully in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital surrounded by his family on July 4, 2017.
He was born on Sept. 22, 1919, in Potecasi, North Carolina, to the late Walter P. and Mary J. Futrell. He was the loving husband of Katherine K. Futrell for the last 75 years.
Milton was also predeceased by his brothers, Walter Wingate Futrell Sr. and James Wilson Futrell.
Milton is survived by his sons, Milton Thomas Futrell Jr. (Jane) and Douglass Kirkland Futrell (Adlyn); grandchildren, Kathy F. Dunlow, Brian Winfield Futrell (Mandy), Molly Futrell and Alexandria Futrell; the loves of his life, his great-grandchildren, Christopher, Alexis, Christina, James, Jake and Mason; his brother-in-law, Ollie W. “Mutt” Kirkland (Betty); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Milton served in the Army as a pharmacy tech with the 2nd Platoon, 39th Field Hospital attached to the 9th Air Force, the first field hospital to reach Normandy, France, landing on Omaha Beach on June 10, 1944, and subsequently campaigned through Normandy, Western France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honored to serve his country and he later shared his experiences in a book he co-authored with his wife titled “The War Years.”
Milton was a very active member of Courtland Baptist Church since 1942 where he served in numerous positions. He was a member of the Courtland Town Council and was chairman of the Southampton High School Athletic Association. He was the former co-owner of Reese Drug Company and then co-owner of Futrell’s Pharmacy with his son, Tommy.
Milton will forever be remembered for the organization of Courtland Youth Baseball for children of all ages in the late 1940s where he coached for 26 years.
The service in his honor was on Friday, July 7, at 11 a.m., in Courtland Baptist Church (old sanctuary). Interment with military honors followed the service at Beechwood Cemetery in Boykins, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southampton Historical Society earmarked for restoration of the dairy house, c/o Lynda Updike, 33335 Statesville Road, Newsoms, VA 23874; Courtland Volunteer Fire Department or Courtland Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Friends may visit the family at the home of Tommy and Jane Futrell, 23211 Shands Drive, Courtland, throughout this time.
www.wrightfuneralhome.org.