Christopher Ray Milkey

Christopher Ray Milkey of Sylva NC passed away on Saturday April 13, 2024. He was born February 21, 1972, in Milan MI to Darlene and Leory Milkey.

Chris graduated from Milan High School. After working a few odd jobs to support his new family he became a carpenter. He loved his career as a business owner, and it showed in everything he built. Moving his family to NC in the 2000s, he built his life here and became a pillar in his community. His many years of volunteering as little league president, coaching, to helping build the batting cages at smoky mountain high showed how much he loved this community. Chirs had two wives in his lifetime. His first wife Corina Griffith, who he had three children with Tera, Ryan and Jace. Chris married his second wife Barbara Renay Milkey on January 23, 2023, who he shared “his outlaws” with Beau, Lucinda, Annie O., and Doc our massifs.

He will be eternally missed by his parents Leroy and Darlene Milkey; wife Barbara Reney Milkey;  daughter, Tera (Tim); sons, Ryan and Jace; stepsons, Jerrod (Kelli); brother Troy (Mary); grandchildren, Autumn, Ahlexis, Shaelynn, Wyatt, and baby girl to be, Salora and Zaina, Camden. Kyle (Joann), Ridge and Maverick, Raelynn and baby boy to be, Vaughn (Amanda),  and Jacob; mother-in-law, Barbara (Frank Summerour); mother-in-law, Merel Peters;  nieces, Analiesa, Alyssa, Tiffany; nephew, Noah;  and many aunts, uncles, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, brother Roy, and father-in-law, Jimmie Peters.

The family will be celebrating his life on Wednesday April 17, 2024. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM with a Memorial Service starting at 8:00pm in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services in Sylva. Sam McMahan will be officiating.