Johnie Earl “Buzz” Milam, 82, passed away on July 27, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Buzz was born on May 20, 1944, in Uvalde County near Sabinal, Texas, to Helen (Milam) Snyder and John Henry Milam Sr. He was raised there by his grandparents, Alice and Ben Milam. He grew up rough and tumble in the Texas Hill Country and South Texas alongside his brothers. They were adventurous boys who spent their days hunting, floating down the river and two-stepping through dance halls across the region. A hitchhiker Buzz once picked up, Jim, became like another brother and remained family for life. Together, they made and gathered stories that were passed down through the years, shaping the legend of a spirited young man who became a devoted husband, loving father and deeply cherished Papaw.

Buzz loved golf and played every chance he got, preferably with family, friends and a cigar nearby. Teaching his children and grandchildren to play began a family tradition that continues with his great-grandchildren. Fishing was another lifelong love, often shared with family and friends. Whether on a golf course, near the water or gathered around a barbecue pit, Buzz brought the people he cared about into the things he enjoyed most. A skilled gunsmith, he was the person others trusted to repair and restore their firearms, sight in rifles, load rounds and test-fire them. Some of his favorite things included strong coffee, Crown Royal, old country music and a good Western. Over the years, Buzz owned several white Ford pickup trucks, all affectionately named “Snowball.”

Buzz made his home in many Texas towns, including Sabinal, Leakey, Uvalde, San Antonio, Blanco, Mabank and, finally, Needville, but his work carried him far beyond those places. As a truck driver, he traveled throughout the United States, while the oilfield took him offshore and around the world. He began as a roughneck, taking on some of the oilfield’s most demanding work, and through grit and determination rose to tool pusher and ultimately drilling consultant. He later returned to truck driving and continued until his full retirement. Wherever his work took him, his heart remained in Texas.

Blanco Lutheran Church was Buzz’s church home. There he found opportunities to serve God and formed lasting friendships with people with whom he shared his faith.

Buzz was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, John Ben “JB” Milam and John William “Dubs” Milam; and his half-sister, Johnnie Marie (Milam) Norman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Gourley Milam; his daughter, Barbara “Wendy” Milam; his son, Raymond “Rowdy” Milam; his stepdaughter, Wendi McClendon and her husband, Ryan; his stepson, Dwayne Welch; his stepdaughter, Cheyenne Williamson; his granddaughters, Brandy Milam, Britney Chastain and Lilli McClendon; and his great-grandchildren, Daymi Chastain and Mason Chastain.

He is also survived by his beloved stepmother, Stella Cook; his half-brothers, Rick Milam and John Henry Milam Jr.; his half-sister, Sandra Martinez; and many extended family members and lifelong friends.

Buzz will be remembered for his independent spirit, strong work ethic, devotion to family and friends, the stories he made and gathered throughout his life, and the wholehearted way he embraced the people, places and pastimes he loved.

Service information will be announced when arrangements have been finalized.