Troy Rivers Millikan

Troy Rivers Millikan, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Friday February 17, 2023. He was beloved by so many around Gainesville as “larger than life” with dashing good looks and charisma; an impeccably dressed positive individual who always had humor for those who needed it. Affectionately known as "Papa Troy" by his children, nieces, nephews, and their friends, because of his fun and playful personality.

Troy was born in Savannah on September 4, 1943 and was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret Millikan and sister Virginia Barber with brother Robert J. Millikan. He attended the University of Georgia Undergraduate and Law School obtaining two degrees in six years. He belonged to the Kappa Alpha fraternity and Phi Kappa Literary Society. While at the university, he was the sports editor of the Pandora Yearbook and wrote that Vince Dooley’s head coach appointment was the “Dawn of a New Era” and prophesied it would be the greatest era of Georgia football at the time. One of Gainesville’s most prolific experts on all things UGA football, he was constantly asked about that weekend’s game. With the onset of each new coach, he would create a tagline and bumper stickers would follow. These would be prominently displayed on his red convertible. Troy was also known for writing newspaper articles outlining the pros and cons of each year's football strategy. After Dooley, Troy wrote "A New Day Was Donnan" and "There is no Quit in the Dawgs of Richt".

Upon graduating, Troy moved to Atlanta to practice law, where he also taught Business Law at Atlanta Law School and was elected to the Executive Board of the State Bar Younger Lawyers section. In 1972, he moved to Gainesville and was in partnership with other lawyers until he established his own law firm in 1980. Troy was an impressive trial attorney for more than 50 years who believed that people deserve second chances and handled “all the ABCD’s of Personal Tragedies”. He was very successful in getting acquittals, dismissals, and big judgements. His reputation as an excellent lawyer to handle appeals led him to the State Supreme Court where he reset the statewide standards for jury deliberations so that jurors do not have to reach a unanimous verdict on the greater offense before they can render a verdict on the lesser offense. One judge said, “Troy was the most successful litigator in my courtroom". Troy possessed a natural talent with words and fought diligently for his clients in what he called the “Cathedral of Justice”. He ensured that justice prevailed.

Mr. Millikan said trial practice and college football have numerous things in common: the necessity for thorough preparation, clever strategy, and intense and focused execution of a well thought out game plan. He enjoyed the challenge and competitive nature of each endeavor.

Troy’s other interests included all lake sports, snow skiing, golfing, reading, and driving in the beauty of the mountains. Being an avid golfer, he loved to meet up with other golf enthusiasts. After a long week at work, he enjoyed driving fast in any of his myriad of sports cars with the top down, speeding his way through the mountains and enjoying the majesty of God’s landscapes.

During all times and especially holidays, the Millikan family household was a place for all those that needed a family or a place of refuge and compassion. Assistance was always given to those who needed support as well as endless generosity.
Troy Millikan is survived by the love of his life and soulmate, wife Sue, beloved children, daughter and son-in-law, Adrienne and Mic Easton, daughter and son-in-law Whitney and Reid Tate, stepdaughter and son-in-law Farrah and Shane Armour, and stepson Charles Neal Sumlin and husband Bradley Sturgeon. Troy was also revered by his wonderful grandchildren, Rivers, Sam and Ava and countless nieces and nephews.

The family will welcome friends from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, February 25,2023 followed by The Celebration of Life at 3:30 p.m., at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502. Eagle Ranch helps make life better for children and their families, positively impacting communities for the glory of God.