Ronald Lee Milinich

Ronald Lee Milinich, longtime Porterville business and civic leader, passed away Friday, July 17, from complications of an illness.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was surrounded by his family and loved ones, as he often was, during his final days.

Ron Milinich leaves a devoted extended family and network of friends, including his wife and loving companion, Gail Milinich; four children, Louis, Jeff, Michael, and Lauri; Gail's son Danny Goranson, her daughter Kathy and husband Kirt Kennel; his sister Charlene Milinich Jones and her sons Brandon and Corky; his grandchildren Lee, Shane, Lacy, Jag, Justin, Wesley, Keona, Chase, Lindsey, and Morganne; and his great-grandchildren Steele, Trinitee, Samaya, and Talvyn.

The owner of Milinich Body Works, Ron Milinich was a leader in the Porterville business community for more than fifty years.  He was past president of the Porterville Area Business Association and the Porterville Exchange Club.  An active member of the Porterville Masons, he was Master Councilor of DeMolay and Master Mason of the Porterville Lodge.  He was an effective advocate for economic growth and worked to create a vibrant business environment in the Central Valley.

His commitment to the greater area can be attributed to his family's deep roots in Porterville.  Born in Porterville in 1938 to Bill and Christina Milinich, Ron graduated from Porterville High School in 1956. He attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he played football.  He came back to his hometown to help run his family business and contribute to civic life.

Over the years, Ron made and kept countless friends.  Large in stature, personality, and heart, he was known for his unending generosity, his boisterous spirit, his lifetime passion for sports, and his deep love of friends and family.  Always appreciative of the good things in life, he was endearingly nostalgic and had a deep reservoir of good humor.

Graveside Services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Porterville on Wednesday, July 22nd at 9:00 a.m.  A luncheon will follow at the Masonic Lodge on Henderson Avenue.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myersfuneral.com.  Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.