Ronald Lee Milligan passed away quietly, surrounded by his loving wife and family, at Cape Canaveral Hospital on Saturday, November 12, 2016. Ron fought hard but was unable to rally after a long illness. Ron, as he was known to his friends and co-workers, was born on January 12, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland while his father, Christian Dow Milligan was serving in the Marine Corp during WWII. The Milligan family were long time residents of St. Augustine, Florida and later Daytona Beach, where Ron spent much of his childhood years and attended Mainland High School. His mother, Iris Thompson Milligan and her family were also from the Daytona Beach area. Ron worked for NASA for 35 years in the Space Shuttle Program. He began his career with NASA at the onset of the shuttle program and retired a few years ago when the program was suspended. He loved NASA and his work there. Ron was very well respected among his peers. Ron was an avid tennis player in his younger years and always loved exploring the world around him whenever he got the chance as long as his health allowed. Ron loved sailing on his small Hobie Cat and traveling in the oldest VW Pop-up Camper Van known to the free world. The van, his family and Ron saw much of the Southeastern United States and many campgrounds over the years. The van itself is well known to his friends and neighbors and is the source of many stories and fond memories. Of course, almost all of the stories include Ron and his never ending quest to keep her running against all odds. Ron always found the good in people and any situation. His humor and wit were products of his amazing intelligence. He was the most loving father and husband anyone can imagine. He leaves behind his best friend and wife of more than 46 years, Kathy Milligan, children: Dawn Milligan Johnson, Wendy Milligan and Ronnie Milligan, Jr..; Granddaughters: Amanda Johnson Thomas (Justin), Audrey Costello (Kipp), Madison Johnson and Raina Milligan; three great-grandchildren: Devin Kipp, Lawson Seth Thomas and Ryann Noel Thomas; and a beloved brother: Christian Dow (Jodi) Milligan, Jr.; as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews. CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD AT 2PM AT ISLAND CREMATIONS CHAPEL ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016. ISLAND CREMATIONS AND CHAPEL 405 South Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32952 A reception will follow at the same location for family and friends attending.