Milner’s benevolence will be remembered
With the passing of Hazel Milner earlier this week, Warren County has lost one of its true philanthropists. She was a woman always eager to help the community, always ready to satisfy the next person with a donation request.
It would be challenging – if not impossible – to track down all the contributions Dr Pepper has made to this community in the nearly 40 years it has been owned by the Milner family. And like anyone who gives from the heart, Mrs. Milner sure wouldn’t tell you about her generosity. She never sought recognition.
Mrs. Milner and her husband, Truman, moved to Warren County when they bought the Dr Pepper bottling company in 1965. When Mr. Milner passed away in 1977, Mrs. Milner remained active in the business although her son, Doug, now handles day-to-day operations.
Through the years, one thing has remained constant whether it’s been Truman, Hazel or Doug at the helm – the company has always had a large place in its heart for charity. As one friend said yesterday, the Milners have sponsored Warren County.
When elementary schools asked for two liter bottles of Sundrop and Dr Pepper to give away at their fall festivals, the Milners didn’t think twice. Not only were the drinks free, but they were usually delivered.
When ball teams and cheerleaders asked Dr Pepper for sponsorships, there was a check waiting.
From scoreboards at Nunley Stadium, the high school baseball field and virtually every ball park in the county, to 150 lawn chairs at the city pool, the Milners have never shied away from giving. And in doing so, Mrs. Milner made a full-fledged effort to improve the quality of life of others. She helped provide luxuries which may not have otherwise been affordable.
Perhaps the biggest and most well known of all these donations is the Dr Pepper Fireworks Show held every Fourth of July at the Civic Center. As our nation celebrates its birthday and thousands of people flock to the Civic Center area, it’s the Milner family who makes it all possible with a top-notch fireworks display that can be viewed free of charge.
There is an old proverb that goes, “There’s no delight in owning anything unshared” and that saying certainly applies to Hazel Milner. She reaped the benefits of a thriving business and was more than happy to share those benefits with the people of this community. When asked how she was able to consistently be so good to the people of Warren County, Mrs. Milner would simply say, “The people of Warren County have been so good to us.”
Warren County may have been good to the Milners, but the feeling is without a doubt mutual. When the people of this community came asking, Hazel Milner was there waiting with a donation. Her benevolence, generosity, and willingness to give with a smile, will not be forgotten.