Tributes

A tribute to my father: Milton Roye Emanuel Reid (Strength and Dragon)

As we grow up and are in the process of being raised by our parents, we do not always appreciate the moments... or we take for granted that time with them is slowly diminishing. That’s how time on earth works. You start to realize that the perfect picture you first knew of life starts to erode. Like that priceless picture or painting, it starts to age and you start to see all the cracks and the aging process beginning to set in. To be honest the older I got, the moments were not always great. Still, you cannot allow what you see on the surface diminish the picture of beauty that has yet developed. In time and growing up, you have to seek out the truth and come to the realization that nothing and nobody is perfect. 

Looking back on the relationship I had with my father, I can say that the guidance and deep-seated philosophies of what it takes to be a man and a great citizen were always set forth and instilled in me from an early age. Still, if you knew my dad, it did not always come wrapped up like a perfect gift; I learned that parents will not always be your friend. That’s simply not their role. It helps, but that is not the end all be all. Be that as it may, with time and experience on being on this earth, I learned to appreciate things more in depth. 

Regardless of the reason why, and how, my father took on the responsibility of raising us as a single parent, and did the best he could under the circumstances. Most men couldn’t and wouldn’t even dare take on that task. He came home from work, which provided for us financially, cooked and provided for his family with nourishment, kept a roof over our heads, and gave us an attainable chance to succeed in life without missing a beat. Imagine a Jamaican man who came to a new country and landing in Gainesville, Florida to attempt to execute this feat. I came to the realization that it wasn’t how he did it, but the fact that he made the attempt on his own that speaks volumes of the love he had for his children, and the type of person he was. 

He encouraged education and respect to all human kind. He taught me to have no fear, to take crap from no one and to speak my mind. Looking back now, knowing who made me, I understand that it was supplanted in my blood from the start; it flowed naturally. Both of my parents were/are very stubborn and hardheaded, but had/have the biggest hearts of anyone that I know to this day. I am overjoyed and proud of that attribute, big hearts. That’s what I rest my hat on moving forward. For him it was inherited from his mother, grandma Ivy, and I connected with that from an early age. She was his mentor and motivated him on a day-to-day basis. He even called out her name in the last few hours of the time he had left on this earth. I know that when he buried her, he was never the same as far as what he wanted to achieve and leave behind with his remaining time. 

Dad was always straightforward in his approach and his opinions. Sometimes it can make you cringe, but it never came from any malice. It was just who he was. In his professional life, he touched an enormous amount of people with guidance and advice that made them strive to do better in his or her walk of life. I’ve heard these sentiments countless times when he was alive and still today. He could relate to all ages, both sexes, and all races. I think he learned how to be himself, but also developed a way to communicate his opinions in a way that it wouldn’t cut you too deep. 

Fast forward to more recent times, that same person I was afraid of expressing my opinions to and opening up to became my best friend in these last few years. I sought out his truth and opinion regarding various situations. I appreciated that he would give me advice without it having to be sugar coated, but knew that it came from a loving and caring place. Some of my family asked me, “Man, I don’t get it. Why him?”  But in my head I just kept saying to myself, “Why not?”  There are some people who need to take a step back and appreciate that picture, or fine work of art. 

I never finished college, but these last few years with him was a crash course on how to be a great man, a great family member, and a great person. I actually got to know my father in all of his layers. I got to decide on my own, as an adult, that I truly considered him a genuine friend. Mentors come and go, but heros are with you forever. Milton Roye Emanuel Reid, you are my hero. I take the good and the bad. I listened and learned from all of your accomplishments, mistakes, and advice. I will attempt to take all of it with me and move on with living and spreading all that you’ve taught me. 

On the day he went to the hospital, I spoke to him. I could hear in his voice that he was extremely weak. The phone connection wasn’t good, and I could hear the frustration and desperation in his voice that the phone was not working. It was like he knew this could be the last time he might talk to me.  I called him back immediately and was able to reach him for what would turn out to be the last time. The last piece of advice he gave me, knowing that it could his final one was, “Dean, you have to keep on fighting!”

So I will try to do just that. We both have always been private people, so many of our conversations will remain as such.  This is just a tribute on paper, not the actual story. The real tribute to him is celebrating the life he led, and the heart he gave respecting that we are all different but the same. Open your hearts and spread LOVE! I will always love you dad, and will never forget who you were!

I wish we would have been able to spend more time and memories together, but the memories and stories I do have, I will keep close to my heart forever. I planned on dancing with you at me and Antwon’s wedding next year. I will be sure to take care of mom.

Love,

Johonna

My brother Milton, my oldest sibling, was the patriarch of our family. I’ve always looked up to him - he was my hero! He was well known and loved by everyone. He was suave, débonnaire, handsome, charming and brilliant! He certainly was funny and made our lives colorful.

He was a great leader of our family and we were always so proud to be his sisters and brothers. He was a perfect example of a Jamaican Son who found success in America.

Sadly, He left us so suddenly to be with our Mama in Heaven! We are so devastated! We will miss him dearly.

I will always remember Milton. He was alway a gentle man, very educated. A role model for all Black lives. He is well known in Gainesville, his home, the state and nationally. He is a legend, forever etched in the minds of many people. To my dear friend, Lisa, one thing I know for sure Milton loved you. May the memories you cherished be continuously comforting on your journey of healing. To all, may God Bless you and Keep you during these difficult moments.

Papa Milton, your legacy will forever live on. I will forever cherish our most memorable moments and life lessons you’ve taught me. I appreciate you being that stand up guy of a father figure to me and my son Jordan. You will be deeply missed and loved. Until we meet again, continue to watch over us.

P.S. thanks for showing me how to make your best dish to me: Jamaican Stew Peas.

Just when I got another grandpa, I have to say goodbye. Thank you for the words of wisdom! I’ll never forget when grandma gave me $50 from you for Christmas when you weren’t feeling well and didn’t come to our Annual Christmas Party and you told me to spend it wisely.

I will always remember my brother-in-law Milton with a smile. He is the first person who try to introduce me to recipes from his culture, no matter how reluctant I was. He was always welcoming and warm to anyone he encountered. I will miss his jovial laughter and his somewhat funny jokes. Rest in Paradise brother🌹

Milton was a dear friend and mentor and will be sorely missed. I was blessed to meet him through a business venture just more than a year and a half ago but, having known his family for many years, we became fast friends and it felt like we had known each other for decades. As an Advisory Board member to our company, he was always there with advice and support as Beep Inc. learned the ropes in the transportation sector that he so dutifully served in many leadership and industry capacities. He was the ultimate straight shooter and never missed a moment to call BS on you, which for me was probably often. His sage advice and can-do attitude has had a major impact on the success of our company that he co-founded and supplied the early vision for our entry into this autonomous transportation arena.

Mostly I will miss just chatting with Milton. We talked about business for sure but it was always so much more. He cared about me and I cared about him. We last spoke this past Tuesday. He sounded a little weak on the phone, and we all know he had a stubborn streak, so my last words to him were to listen to your family as they are trying to help you regain your strength and they love you. Family was so important to him and he reinforced that in our last chat.

In the small-world storyline, when Kevin and Mark first introduced me to Milton, he immediately asked me if I had a brother that worked for GRU in the past. Low and behold, my brother Bob worked with Milton a few decades ago. When I called my brother and told him of this, we all got on a bridge call and they shared stories like it was yesterday. Bob later described Milton as one of the "great ones" to work with and know in life. That kind of says it all. Think back many decades into a career or in life and it is a small number of people that come out of the memory bank in that category. Meet Milton Reid.

To his beloved family, find comfort in knowing that heaven is receiving one of the great ones. I know from personal experience that little things will now become apparent everyday of how he influenced your lives. Keep those memories near and dear. He was so proud of all of you.

Godspeed Milton

I am so sorry for your loss Lisa and family. I don't have to tell you what you already know. Milton was a wonderful person. Great advice in which he said i make the decision in the end as it was his opinion. Quick to cut a joke and laugh. Thanks Milton for sharing your awesome Oxtail recipe with me and of course cooking when you knew i would be in town. I am happy i had the chance to know you. My heartfelt condolences to you my sweet Lisa!!!!!! I Love You very much!!!

-Net

You was the best grandpa I’ve ever had. I enjoyed the times of us playing put put golf in the backyard, that was a competitive moment between you and I. I will miss you dearly papa.

Love you Jordan

I had the chance to get to know Milton over the past 25+ years that I’ve been a business partner of his son, Kevin. While I have come to grow close to many of the Reid family through this time, I was particularly fond of Milton as we seemed to share a common view of the world – both in its humor and its seriousness. I feel very fortunate in that circumstances and events over the last few years allowed Milton and I to spend a bit more time together, traveling and collaborating on various business initiatives.

Milton was a wonderful man. He was generous with his advice, but gentle and respectful in giving it. He always made me feel welcome, and safe, to share my thoughts with him on the most sensitive subjects. We also had plenty of laughs together as his keen sense of humor was both quick and hearty. Milton was both experienced and wise, but trusting in that he would make his points and then defer to decision makers with his input. In many ways, Milton made me feel as if I was part of his own family. All of these qualities came together to make Milton a kind, sage man of regal presence. I consider it my great fortune to have known Milton, learned from him, and shared him, in my small way, as part of the Reid family.

Rest In Peace Milton. We shared many great memories and were blessed with two wonderful sons.

Beverley

I would like to send my deepest condolences and prayers of peace to the family. He will be missed by many.

Milton and I go way back to our high school in the 1950s, and we remained in each other’s lives as friends and family as I am his ex sister-in-law and aunt of two of his sons, Mark and Kevin.

He is the reason I chose to come to Washington DC when I decided to migrate to the USA in the 1960s.  He was a student at Howard University and like most of his Jamaican peers, he drove a DC taxi.  He would arrange his schedule every day so he could pick me up in the mornings for a ride to work, and in the evenings to return home, till I got the lay of the land and graduated to getting around on my own.

Since he moved to Gainesville so many years ago our conversation would always end with him admonishing me for traveling all over the place and never to his home in Gainesville – my answer always was – OK Milt, for sure next year...  Now, next year will never come.  Luckily I have cherished memories that will always bring a smile to my face.  Aston and I will miss you.  Rest in Peace, Milt.

Oonagh Stuart Greaves

MY UNCLE MILTON, HIS WAY

A larger than life character… my fondest childhood memories of Jamaica will always, always include my Uncle Milton. He epitomized love and leadership, his life reflected a love of family, friends and a deep passion for professional achievement. Another larger than life character, Frank Sinatra sang it best… “I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve travelled each and every highway and more, much more than this,” Uncle Milton, you always did it your way… and, for that and many more reasons, I love you, and now miss you dearly!

Stern voice, stern facial expression, deep and commanding voice. All first impressions on meeting Milton when I was Lieutenant at GFR (Gainesville Fire Rescue). Of course, at that point he had just been hired as a consultant by the city and I had no idea we would ultimately be the best of friends. No, he didn't have or want any friends during his first days at the city where he was to monitor private contractors operating the city's fleet management. The report was so accurately scathing that he was offered the job of cleaning up the mess. A few years later, after many a "discussion" about what accessories are actually needed on a fire truck, how long its lifecycle should be, and how much we should pay for it, we had a somewhat distant but respectful work relationship. My work evolved into a couple of "out of body" assignments in Public Works and the Regional Transit System. Both assignments involved purchasing and maintaining vehicles, so naturally Milton was directly and indirectly involved. Which led to the floating group of all support department heads meeting off-campus at the end of the day on Fridays. It’s a group that still has periodic reunions, usually at the beach. This was where the silos were cross connected toward getting the job done and making sure that everybody had a part in it.

This informal weekly meeting went on for about 20 years. In the latter stages moved to Milton's house where he had equipped a barbecue grill with a canopy cover and a large screen TV. The meetings could continue for as long as necessary. Sometimes, especially when the Gators had a football game, the meetings might continue through Saturday. The food was always perfect with plenty of it all with the unique combination of spices and flavorings that were his Caribbean trademark as a cook. The hospitality and attending characters were widely circulated and there were many city and even some County employees who would stop by. Did I mention that he was a Gator fan? Well, put it this way-he referred to the off-season from Gator football as "the drought". Until he was able to get a high-powered Bose radio, you could only hear the Gator Sports Network in his house, but once he got the radio everybody in his block became a listener, whether they liked it or not.

So that's the kind of Milton story one can read just about anywhere in this memorial site: professional, dedicated, contributed to his industry, and brought others along the path.

Another recent experience perfectly captures the man:

My grandkids were visited from Orlando. Whenever they were here we went to Milton's house so the kids could visit with him. I don't know why the kids loved it but they were not in the least intimidated by his stern demeanor, perhaps because they saw the twinkling eyes. On our last visit in January the two kids were squabbling use of curse words and tattling on the other. Milton stopped their discussion and investigated both of them as witnesses to the other's behavior. Then, in a Solomonesque solution, told them that the first five minutes after arriving is a free cursing zone. They each could curse with any words they knew (an astounding number, as it turns out) for five minutes. At the end of five minutes they had to turn it off, not using those words any longer, and it would be forgotten to the outside world. The kids took absolute delight and were always eager to visit Uncle Milton at the free cursing zone.

Milton Reid was a kind man. My grandpa said that the reason my brother and I were never intimidated by his stern demeanor was because of the twinkle in his eyes. This is true! There are so many memories of us going to visit him, drinking cranberry pineapple juice doing gymnastics all over his couch, my grandfather and him drinking a beer. On our last visit with him, Ms. Lisa was there, we had not seen her in a while, I sincerely hope that she is doing ok. To be honest, I can’t even imagine a world without him. As I grew older we saw him less, he was always there, and it was a routine that every time we were In Gainesville, we would stop by. I could go on and on about the small clips of memories that are flooding back as I read these sweet tributes. I never knew him as well as many of you, but I do know Milton will be missed, and I will never forget that deep laugh, his smile and the love that you could see just in his eyes. 

With love, Remy.

Milton, was our "Big Brother" and he was greatly admired , loved and adored by all his siblings. He was caring and tender towards us and protected us as a lion protected her cubs. When we were in school with him , he took us to the restaurant and bought our lunches.

As the big brother , in my last year in high school he drove me to school en route to work. . As a teenager , I was so enthralled when my friends would see me getting out of his Red Austin Healey Sprite. He was our Defender and would even fight our battles if it were warranted. He was a "Wonderful Human Being" and a "Super Brother"

He was snatched away suddenly from us . We are saddened but we will cherish the "Wonderful Memories"

Sleep On Brother And Be At Peace.

We Will See You On That Great Day

LOVE YOU!!💖🌹❤️🙏 OUR ACE♦️❤️🙏

When I was growing up, I was sure that my Uncle Milton was secretly a movie star... he was so handsome and charming with the deepest voice I had ever heard.  As a young girl, I was thrilled when my Auntie Bev allowed me to visit him in America with my cousins Mark and Kevin.  I remember that trip for two reasons – the amazingly good food he cooked and his gentle hands as he helped me comb and braid my unruly hair.  Uncle Milton had an innate tenderness with children that made them feel safe and cherished.  He was playful but firm, and everything seemed more alive when he was around.  I am devastated that he left us so suddenly, but I know that he left more than the imprint of his good looks and loving heart in each of his sons.  The baton has been passed, and the sons must continue the magic.  My deepest condolences to Lisa, the New York crew, and the entire family.  I look forward to celebrating his life with you all when the forced distance of this pandemic is behind us.

I want to send the family my deepest condolences during this difficult time.

My Father-in-law:

A man of principles, a disciplinarian and wise. A true gentleman, who was warm, caring and always had invaluable advice. Deep in our hearts you will always stay loved and missed everyday.

May your soul Rest In Peace and perpetual light shine upon you.

We met in January 1956 as high school students, and an unbreakable bond of treasured friendship continued for 64 years. As roommates in college, along with three other fellows, life was punctuated with unadulterated fun and frolic as we pursued our intended goals. A few months ago, you reminded me that three of the five of us were gone, and that both of us should spend more time together - to which I agreed. Now that for you the busy world is hushed, there is an emptiness in my soul but I take repose in the thought that you are finally at peace! I shall miss you!!

- Mc

Uncle Milton,

I started to think about how long it has been since you welcomed me into your family. It was 32 years ago that a large group of college students descended on your home for the weekend, and you took it in stride and made us all feel welcome.

From that time onwards, you were a quiet force that could always be counted on for thoughtfulness, support and laughter. For the past 27+ years, I have had the pleasure of calling you my father-in- law. You were the best that one could hope for and as a grandfather to Dylan, you were second to none.

We love you and will miss you,

Heather

I first knew Milton as my brother Ashe’s friend before he became my brother-in-law. My memories of Milton go back to my teenage years when he would stop by the house to visit the family, often roaring off with Ashe on some unknown adventure in his red MG. Milton and my brother were part of a close and loyal fraternity of Clarendon College/Howard graduates who kept in close contact, sometimes meeting for a week to “catch up” and relax from their busy professional lives.

Although I had lost contact with Milton after high school, I always knew of his life through Ashe, his relatives and the friends we had in common. The next time I saw him, was after I had married his brother, Carl (Delroy) when upon his invitation we spent a wonderful week with him and Lisa at his Orlando Condo. My son was thrilled to meet his Uncle Milton and has fond memories of this visit, Most of all, I will always remember Milton’s kindness and support as I lost my brother, Ashe. He along with the fraternity of friends led an extraordinary effort to assist my family at a very difficult period in our lives. He was always there for us, keeping in touch in a soft spoken voice of a true and loyal friend. Milton, the World is a little darker without your presence, but I know you are in a better place.

Rest in Peace.

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Milton. We pray that the love of family and friends will give you strength in the days to come. God’s Blessings!

Milton is the brother I wish I had. We met in the seventies in New York. All the fun and good times, the camaraderie, I have ever experienced was with him (and his crew) who all were attending college in DC at the time. He introduced me, by television, to the "skins"- the Washington Redskins. At first I could not understand the game, but more so wondered how could one be so turned on by a sport so chaotic, and so beset by such staccato sequences. I was used to cricket which moved along in such an urbane and gentlemanly fashion. But his enthusiasm and that of his friends were so infectious it made me an acolyte of the sport, if only when the New York Giants played.

Milton lived in several cities in the USA, and wherever he planted himself was always the place to be. His open door policy of inviting everyone, family and friends, always led to to joyous exhilarating parties, sometimes continuing to the next day (really!!!). My fondest moments of these events were , however, the quality and profundity of the conversation on whatever the subject matter in which we all were engaged. I found these moments even more stimulating than the libations partaken.

Rest IN Peace- my brother.

Fos.

Father figure, protector, advisor, exemplar, these words come to mind when I think of my brother Milton. He was all these things and more. His strong conviction that his brothers and sisters should improve their lot in life was demonstrated by his own example. Undoubtedly he cared for all of us, becoming the anchor for us as we matured into adulthood.

In our later years, though we lived in distant locations, the interaction remained constant, and even though the visits were not as frequent as say twenty years ago, the telephone made up for the miles.

His influence on us as siblings, extended to our children, his nieces and nephews; they adored his avuncular manner towards them, chiding where necessary, but always leaving them with their egos intact.

There is an empty space in my heart that will never be filled, I love you Milton, and will always cherish the fact that I have you for a brother.

Monica

Jalia and I share in your sadness as you remember and celebrate the life of Mr. Milton. As we reflect on our memories of him, we will always be greatful that he was apart of our family and his home stood in the gap as a Florida home base for our family. When we visited Mr. Milton’s home, he always welcomed us home with open arms. There was always great food, great conversation, and lots of love. We will absolutely miss his presence. Our condolences and prayers are with Lisa, Dean, Rory, and his family.

May loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort.

Mr. Reid will be someone I will always love , adore and remember!

I can remember the 1st day I stepped into the Reid’s house and Mr. Reid welcomed me with open arms and demanded I eat something. and I’m pretty sure it was a big pot of stew peas & rice that he had cooked. Stew peas for dinner and corn beef and eggs for breakfast! but from that day forward from a small kid until my adult years, Mr. Reid always fed me and took care of me! growing up with Rory and Dean , spending countless days and nights in his home, Mr Reid never once made me feel like an outsider, always made me feel at home , welcomed and apart of his family. because of Mr Reid, i’ll have a lifetime of countless memories. a classic memory i’ll cherish forever will be Saturday afternoons at the Reid’s house watching Gators football ! classic times! also when he would fall asleep in his chair at night, It meant party time for rory, dean and myself and the crew. I have a lifetime band of brothers, and our bond started as a small group of little boys glued together at the hip, together everyday having fun making memories and it all started at Mr Reid’s home....I’m eternally grateful to have grown up with Mr. reid and to have known him ! I will always love him! #COGPARENT #AuntOJ #MrsSmart #cogERA #daysneverforgotten

Milton Reid but to me was always Mr. Reid. when i was first introduced to Him and saw this little Man with this Deep Commanding Voice i knew He was Special. I however must mention last Thanksgiving Weekend that i took Mr. Reid to Delaware and he was so happy he was able to have all his Children together with the rest of their Family, Milton Reid a Man,a Father,a Husband,Grand Father,Brother,Uncle,Cousin,Friend and most of all a Family Man. My Condolences to His Wife Lisa and the entire Family. Sleep Well Mr. Reid

Uncle Milt,

My first summer away from home was a trip to Uncle Milt in Gainesville. The smooth talking (James Bond like) uncle...who drove a Porsche. I had a fantastic time. From hanging with Budge, Rory and Dean to learning a hard lesson of mixing pizza and chocolate milk to the very end at the airport with uncle Milt where we had lunch, and watched what we soon realized was my flight take off in front of us. He was awesome to the very end!

Love him always...

Stu

Uncle Milton,

You always had a way of making people feel "at home" when they were around you, no matter how long it had been. A man of very few words, who's strength and warmth filled the room. You will be missed by all.

Rest In Peace Milton

Milton was "Framily" (friends who are family) to us..."Uncle" Milton, a Cool Cat.

He was around for a few decades of life chapters for my Dad and me, including entertaining my kids on occasion. He once told me, "I like the music and your Dad likes the lyrics, that's the way it is".  We laughed a lot about that. 

Milton had such hospitality in his home and in his heart.

Happy Hour was our place to catch up from time to time, plus a few other fun family gatherings from Gainesville to Orlando to Jamaica.  He will be truly missed and remembered with love and great fondness.  Ever since hearing the sad news about Milton, his voice & his laugh play in my mind and I smile! 

He says, "take care sweetie!"

We had a wonderful uncle,

One who never really grew old;

His smile was made of sunshine,

And his heart was solid gold;

We had a wonderful uncle,

And that’s the way it will always be.

But take heed, because

He’s still keeping an eye on all of us,

So let’s make sure

He will like what he sees.

Love Always

The Reid's

Dear Kevin & Mark,

It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of your Dad. We hope that you and the rest of the family will be comforted by reflecting on the good times you shared and remembering him as he was. Condolences.

Uncle Milt, being that you resided in Gainesville, home of the University of Florida, you were truly a father to all of us who were away from home while attending college. Thanks for all the good advice, good times and good memories and let's not forget the good food.

Rest in Peace Uncle Milt

Much Love

Uncle Milton:

When I was growing up it was always a pleasure to be with my uncle and my cousins. In Detroit we would spend many weekends together. You where more than an uncle to me, he was a father figure one that I always admired and longed/wished I could have had with my father Winston. They may have looked alike but where defiantly different. I’ve been blessed to have him in my life. He treated me firm yet kind. I love and admire all my uncles, but Milton is a classic man’s man, I love You now and forever Christopher Reid

I remember at the age of ten being given a ride in his red sports car from Chapelton to May Pen with the wind howling at us. I thought this was the scene from "Hollywood" here I was with the most handsome man in the world. At that age you start admiring movie stars and I saw him as one. I was hoping that all my friends could see me. I have never forgotten and some forty years later at a party in Jamaica, Bevy brought me over to greet him. I am still blushing because I had a "crush" on him.

That love transferred to his son Mark, who I babysat as a baby.

A gentle soul has gone to eternal rest.

Sincerest condolences to the grieving family.

As the tears roll down my cheek I remember Milton who was larger than life...the consummate host and family for a lifetime. I was introduced to Milton in Gainesville and immediately accepted into the Reid family. We made so many memories and his home was ours anytime ...any hour. Even though we did not see each other or talk to each other often, anytime we did ..we just picked up where we left off. Milton, it's hard to believe that you are not here, but you have left an indelible mark in my life and will forever have a place in my heart. Rest well my friend. Heartfelt condolences to Lisa, Mark, Kevin, Budgie, Rory and Dean and your significant others and children. Thanks for sharing Milton with us.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Milton. The expressions of love spoken here reflect the dear man who he was.

May his memory always be a blessing.

Rest Easy Milton...

Our friendship was special. You will be missed...

Milton Reid (The Dragon) - my friend, my brother. I am sorry that I did not get to tell you how much I love and respect you. You are someone who I have always looked up to. What I do have are the good old memories I will cherish. May you rest in peace.

Milton was my oldest brother and he took on the responsibility of being our protector. No one could try to bully any of the younger siblings at anytime without knowing they had to come through him. He would boldly let them know he was our protector. Even corporations.

I can remember going to Kodak and they got me a back room rental space to reside and he came from Erie PA and packed my luggage’s and said no way man you deserve better. Needless to say Kodak apologized and upgraded my living conditions. Just one of the great things he did . Can go on and on !!!!!!!!

My dearest Milton,

You will always be dearly loved and sorely missed. I'm so grateful for our friendship that began when I was a young reporter at the Gainesville Sun and lasted through the decades. Sending hugs to the family, especially Milton Jr., Rory and Dean, and Winston.