Well-known philanthropist Hazel Milner dies at 86
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“We moved here from Boaz, Ala., in 1965 and we’ve considered Warren County home ever since,” said Mrs. Milner’s son, Doug Milner. “Warren County has been very good to us.”
The Milners purchased the local Dr Pepper plant from Ed Travis in 1965, after Mrs. Milner’s husband, Truman E. Milner, searched throughout the Southeast for a bottling business, choosing the Warren County plant. Mr. Milner passed away in 1977, leaving the company in the hands of his wife and son. The company continues to thrive, employing 30.
“My mother was real active in the business over the years,” Doug Milner said. “I think in recent years, the work helped her to stay young. She loved going down to the plant. She always called our employees her children.”
Milner said his mother’s health had been failing as of late, causing her to miss the Dr Pepper-sponsored Fourth of July fireworks show for the first time since they began the community-wide event outside the Civic Center many years ago.
“In all those years, this was the first year she missed it,” Milner said. “She had always loved going to the fireworks every year. That was one of her favorite things.”
In recognition of their community service over the years, the Milners were honored in 2002 by being voted Mr. and Ms. Warren County by the readers of the Southern Standard.
In addition to her work with the company and in the community, Mrs. Milner was an active member of First Baptist Church.