Cecil Millikan (Sonny – aka Papa)
Sonny was born in Arkansas in 1943. He was one of 7 children. He had 4 sisters and 1 brother. He moved with his family as a young boy. They relocated to Oviedo, Florida. Here, he was active in little league.
He and his family then moved to Apopka where he spent the rest of his life. While attending high school at Apopka High, Cecil excelled in basketball. He held the record for the highest free throw percentage during a season from 1961 until the early 1970’s.
Sonny met the love of his life in high school. They reconnected after graduation and were married a few years later. Becky was 19 at the time and he was 20. They were married for 53 wonderful years.
In his early 20’s he began working at Ellman battery where he learned the skills that he used until his passing. He opened his own business right here in Apopka in 1975 where he continued to work at least 3 to 4 days a week. It was his life. He loved going to work and never complained. He worked hard to take care of his family. Family was everything to him. Sonny and Becky had two children. Cecil Jr, “Bubba” and Vonni Bruehl. He had a son in law named Darin Bruehl. He was also blessed with 5 grandchildren, Bailee Dumbacher, Hunter Bruehl, Griffin Bruehl, Lillie Bruehl, and Madison Millikan. He was also very proud to see the birth of his first great grandson Brecken in February.
Sonny’s heart was in the water. He was an avid fisherman and Homosassa was his favorite place to be. He was at home and happy when he was on his boat doing what he loved with family and his friends. He also loved to cook, especially for his grandchildren. It made him happy to bring them their favorite foods for the weekends.
Sonny has left his mark in Apopka for his big heart and willingness to help those in his community. Whether it was for a battery or just a laugh, he was always there when you needed him. Everyone had a friend in Sonny.
His favorite saying when he left us all after visiting was, “I’m glad ya got to see me!”
Yes we were Papa! Life won’t be the same without you. Aren’t you glad you got to see him?
In lieu of Flowers the family requests Donations be made to:
Apopka Little League
3200 Jason Dwelley Parkway
Apopka, Florida 32712
Service
Visitation
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street Apopka 32712
17:00:00 - 19:00:00
Memorial Service
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street Apopka 32712
19:00:00
Lakeland says
My condolences to the family. May God wrap his arms around you all.
Dawn Wallace says
Dawn Wallace says
Sonny will be missed by so many of us. He always made me laugh. God bless your family and rest in peace my friend. Until I see you again! I’m honored to have known you!
Lynne Kahn Piccioli says
We are so sad to hear of your “papa” passing. Our thoughts and prayers for now and days ahead to give all of your the strength and courage you’ll need to give a loving farewell to your father, husband, grandfather and more. God bless you all. Lynne Piccioli and family.
Cecil Jr says
Betty Murray says
John & Cindy Miller says
Cecil Jr says
I love you with my heart and soul. How do I go On? How do I make you proud?
My mission in life from now on is to make you proud and continue to build the Great Company that was your Love. And proud of me you will be. Love you always and forever.
Your Son.
Betty Murray says
Becky my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time
Bill Cook says
Sincere condolences to Sonny’s Family. So sorry for your loss.
Chip & Debbie Smith says
Steve Ussrey says
Yvonne Fowler says
karen kidd says
Yvonne Fowler says
Sonny was a great guy married to my cousin Becky, he always helped me out on car batteries etc over the years, he will be missed! R I P Sonny!
Ruth Brooks says
Jerry Griner says
Kellie Mitchell says
Jerry Griner says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Becky and family. Sonny was a great guy and even though I haven’t communicated with him in a long time, as another friend of his said “he was one of the good guys” he truly was. May God bless the family.
Kathy & Mike says
Marianne and Rusty Richardson says
Kathy & Mike says
We will miss Sonny terribly. He was a huge ray of sunshine and laughter over in NSB.
Shanthi Bruehl says
Toby McIntire says
Mazie Hawthorne says
Ruth Callaghan says
Patricia Johnson Hall says
Pat Thompson Carter says
Stephen W. and Terry Cook says
Stephen W. Cook says
Stephen W. Cook says
Becky and Family,
I am so very sorry about the passing of Sonny. Sonny and Becky were and are true friends since I was at their wedding until now. Sonny was so young and this is so sad. I worked with Sonny at Ellman Battery as did my dad and we truly cared for Sonny and Becky. I have no words but, if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call.
paula and rob rivera says
Georgia says
Just as everyone else I was shocked and sadden by the passing of Mr. Millikan. No words of sympathy can really make anyone feel better but that’s what one is supposed to do. My heart hurts for you Mrs. Millikan, and for Vonnie and Bubba. I know he will live on in your hearts and you will no doubt hear his laugh and see his smile in those beautiful grandchildren.
Out of nowhere one day when I must have been in high school he drove past our house. He told me to jump in and we went to Dream Lake, got in a boat and trolled around the banks dipping bait in between lily pads looking for a fish. I will always remember that day. Not sure why he stopped or why he told me to go but that’s just how he was. He nicknamed my first car and welcomed me as well as every other kid in to his house to watch football and eat snacks or to just hang out.
Again, so sorry. Love and prayers for everyone. Jon
Lynda spears says
Becky and family -so sorry to hear of sonny’s passing. He was always a joy to be around. He will be missed. Prayers and love for the family.
Rick McNeil & Family says
Lemmy Milligan family says
Frank & Julie Jones says
Charlotte And Jeff Siler says
Charlotte and Jeff Siler says
R.I.P. Cecil our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends! May God be with you all
Wistee Fisher & James Valentine says
Kendall Fisher says
Melissa Hawes says
Robert McKenzie says
Dorothy Campbell says
Barbara Brockenbrough says
Rose Berry says
David and Debbie Wilson says
Frank and Linda Dillon says
Our hearts are so sad for your loss
Sonny was such a great friend, and will be missed by so many friends. Prayers and hugs for his family.
Gladys Huggins Cope says
Becky, I am so sad to hear of Sonny’s passing. May God give you the peace that is needed for this time and know we are praying for you.
Ed Meydrech says
Gladys Huggins Cope says
Bobby and Terri Collins says
kathy Burt Crosby Lenn says
Bill and Jeanne Probst says
Glad to say I fished with and spent some one on one time with him. Always enjoyed his dry humor and wit. A very good man.
Jim and Jennifer Morgan says
Expression of Sympathy says
A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent on August 5, 2017
Love and prayers in this very difficult time! We loved Sonny so and was always blessed to see him! Love From Mark and Chris Girl Murray and Family
Expression of Sympathy says
An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on August 5, 2017
Marilyn Griffin White says
Robert and Susan Manley says
The Hogsette Family says
Alicia Blackwelder Jordan says
Denny Martin says
“Water is too muddy, Water is too clear, We ain’t got no water”. Sonny always said at least one of these before each trip but we went fishing anyway. Sonny introduced me to Homosassa and shared his favorite fishing holes. We talked, laughed and at some point, without fail, the conversation turned to family. Sonny loved his family more than he loved fishing. Sonny was a proud Papa. It will never be the same coming around the mangrove islands and seeing Sonny has beat me to that fishing hole again,,,,God Bless Becky, Cecil, Bonnie and all of the Milikan family,,,,,,
Denny Martin says
“Water is too muddy, Water is too clear, We ain’t got no water”. Sonny always said at least one of these before each trip but we went fishing anyway. Sonny introduced me to Homosassa and shared his favorite fishing holes. We talked, laughed and at some point, without fail, the conversation turned to family. Sonny loved his family more than he loved fishing. Sonny was a proud Papa. It will never be the same coming around the mangrove islands and seeing Sonny has beat me to that fishing hole again,,,,God Bless Becky, Cecil, Bonnie and all of the Milikan family,,,,,,
Hugs and Prayers, Melanie King says
Jeannie Ustler Rottloff says
Sherry Thornton Robinson. says
Sherry Thornton Robinson says
Dearest Becky and family. My heart goes out to you and your family. Such a tragic loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. God bless you all.
Trish palmer and mark spicer says
Buck Powell says
Susan johnson says
Susan johnson says
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of sonny..he was such a wonderful and vibrant man who was loved by many..although I did not know him well he was always a joy to talk to and of course I’ll never forget taking his battery orders at American battery….Rest in peace Mr millikan…. you will truly be missed!
Betty and Rex Chandler says
Ann Miller says
Dear Becky,
Bob and I send our sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your dear husband, Sonny. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sonny and I graduated class of ’61 at AMHS and what I remember best about him was his friendship with Bobby Manley, Johnny Anderson, and Coach Sterling getting them ready for basketball
Ann Miller says
Mary Wise says
Prayers for all -Godspeed
Cindy Atwell Merritt says
Maxwell & Mindy Wright says
Sheila Marcum says
Maxwell & Mindy says
We are so sorry for your loss. Always remember…
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. We both loved your dad very much, he was a great man and we will miss him.
Always, Mindy & Maxwell Wright
Ross and Glenda Downey says
Ross and Glenda Downey says
Ross and Glenda Downey
August 5 2017 says
To the family of Sonny
So sorry for your loss, I have known Sonny for as long as I have lived in Florida ( since 1961). The one thing that I remember most about him is when ever I saw him, after we exchanged greetings his next question would be ” how’s your family” . He would always ask me about my Mom and Dad. Thanks Sonny for making this world a little brighter. I will never forget your unique laugh l can hear it in my mind as I write this.
Clark Ambs
George and Patty Hansford says
Expression of Sympathy says
A RAY OF SUNSHINE was sent by Mike and Deborah Grandey on August 6, 2017
Bobby Stanley says
Bobby Stanley says
R.I.P. Sonny, my friend. To the family, so sorry for your loss.
Betty and Rex Chandler says
Becky, was shocked to hear of Sonny’s passing. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you, Vonnie, Bubba and the family. May God shed his peace and comfort on all of you.
Michael Stokley says
Becky…Marsha and I look forward to being in NSB and celebrating your wonderful man, Sonny, we love you lady! ….Cecil JR you are going to take over Dad,s trips to Homosassa to bring us that fabulous Zellwood corn, we you Man!!!
Mike
Kathryn Mikulencak says
Kathryn Mikulencak says
Becky and family,
Sonny/dad/ grandpa, was a great man. He was a great friend to me loving and generous. I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has truly gained an angel. I pray his memory stays strong in your heart. God be with you always.
Expression of Sympathy says
A TABLE BASKET was sent by Robbie Manley and family on August 6, 2017
Keith and Bip says
He was always so much fun to be around, with his dry humor, and I definitely remember him saying, “glad you got to see me”. So sorry, Becky, for your loss.
Kim Cavanagh says
Brenda Cromas, Longwood, FL says
bcromas@cfl.rr.com says
Becky and Family: Becky: It has been so long since you and I sat in class with the same red dress on. LOL! The years have flown by so fast. I am praying for all of you.
Expression of Sympathy says
A PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent by Michael Macherone on August 7, 2017
Kirk & Teresa Dickson says
Alvin and Sharon Hutching says
Mike & Marsha Stokley says
Dear Becky, Marsha and I are looking forward to some day meeting you in NSB and celebrating our wonderful friend and fishing buddy…and YOUR MAN!!
Cecil JR., we are all with you, however to really follow in SR’s footsteps you will need to keep us supplied with batteries and ZELLWOOD CORN, we loved your Dad!!
Expression of Sympathy says
A PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on August 7, 2017
With our deepest sympathy
From all of us at Glory Sandblasting
Debbie & Steve Patterson says
Unfortunately we never got to meet this very special man. Our condolences to the family.
Lydia Pitt / Painter says
Lydia Pitt / Painter says
My deepest sympathy and heart felt condolences go out to the Millikan family
My God bless you all and keep you strong and comforted through this tough time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kristi Fox says
Expression of Sympathy says
A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent on August 8, 2017
Our warmest condolences,
Turbo Diesel & Electric Systems
Mckizer@aol.com says
Becky and family,
Preston and Martha Kizer send our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Expression of Sympathy says
A GARDEN PATH was sent by Scott and Laura Bruehl on August 9, 2017
Rose Berry says
Expression of Sympathy says
A DIGNITY IN WHITE PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on August 9, 2017
Jan Charles Potter says
I know it is a very sad time for the Millikan family. It was just a short time ago I visited with Sonny and it is difficult to accept he is gone. I remember Sonny’s father, Veryle, coming by our farm and airport at Zellwood and riding in the back of our Boeing Stearman biplanes while we were crop dusting . I also remember our fishing trips to Homosassa with my father and Veryle. Our prayers go out to the Millikan family.
Expression of Sympathy says
A GRANDMA’S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was sent on August 9, 2017
To the Millikan Family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Lana and John Thorpe(Peggy Pafford’s daughter)
pat and susan mcintire says
Expression of Sympathy says
A DIGNITY IN WHITE PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on August 10, 2017
Expression of Sympathy says
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on August 10, 2017
Jennifer Griffin King says
Expression of Sympathy says
A SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was sent on August 10, 2017
You will be missed ,
Jennifer Griffin King
Jeff & Cindy Buck says
I’m very sorry to hear about Sonny. I’ll miss running into him at the post office early in the morning. He always asked how things were going, or a fishing update or some tidbit.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Millikan family.
Jeff and Cindy Buck
Expression of Sympathy says
A GRANDMA’S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was sent on August 11, 2017
Sorry for your loss! He was a good dude and will not be forgotten! Peace be with you all! William B Singleton Jr
Donna says
Nice post, Jan. I’m sure your bit of history will be appreciated.
Steve and Heather Hooper says
Some of my fondest memories were when Sonny was my little league baseball coach. Every time he saw me, even through adulthood, he always greeted me with “what’s up super hoop?”. He encouraged and inspired me to always work hard and do my best and have fun in the process. He was a hero to me and I so appreciated his friendship and affirmation. I am so very sorry for your loss. He had a huge impact on so many people, and I know his legacy will continue through your amazing family!