Edward L. Millsaps

Mr. Edward L. Millsaps, age 91 of Copperhill, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Life Care Center of Ooltewah, TN. Edward was born May 22, 1927 in Maryville, TN, to the late William McKinley Millsaps and Edna Walker Millsaps. He grew up on the family farm in Blount County, TN, attended Everett High School in Maryville where he participated in basketball and football. After high school, Edward served in the US Navy and is a Veteran of WWII.

A 1953 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. While at UTK, Edward served as the Vice President of the Independent Students Association and worked as a Cooperative Education Student for the Tennessee Copper Company in Copperhill, TN. Upon graduation, he accepted a permanent job as an Electrical Engineer at the "the Company" which was later acquired by Cities Services. He retired in 1989 after 38 years of service, and lived the remainder of his life in the "Copper Basin".

A focal point of his life was the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill where he was a dedicated Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He enjoyed serving the Lord and his church in many capacities, including guiding the construction and maintenance of the physical facility. He developed many life-long friendships in the church which he and his family cherished dearly.

In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, singing in the Church Choir, square dancing, participating in the Copper Basin Prime Timers Group, troubleshooting/repairing equipment, traveling/visiting with his family, and following University of Tennessee football. He especially enjoyed his time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Millsaps was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Irene Pace Millsaps; two brothers and one sister, Kenneth Millsaps, Fred Millsaps, and Betty Moore. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, daughter, Gayle Maree Millsaps, son and daughter-in-law, Michael Edward and Donna Millsaps, daughter and son-in-law, Teresa Kay and Bill Wood; seven grandchildren, Brandon Millsaps, Brody Millsaps, Eric Wood, Brian Wood, Kevin Wood, David Wood, and Anna Wood; two sisters and three brothers, Ruth Hampton, Bill (Lodema) Millsaps, Martha (Wayne) Cartwright, Harry (Jeanette) Millsaps, Jerry (Doris) Millsaps; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home on Monday, April 22, 2019 from 6 to 9 pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill with the Rev. Matthew McDaniel officiating. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Edward's six grandsons, Brandon, Brody, Eric, Brian, Kevin, and David.

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edward's memory to the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill, P.O. Box 867, McCaysville, GA, 30555-0867 (phone 706-492-5301) or through the church's website, www.myfirstbaptist.net.