Millard Graves Laney, Jr., 81, passed away on May 28, 2026, in Rome, Georgia — the city where his remarkable life began. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man whose warmth, humor, and quiet strength left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Millard was a proud graduate of Berry Academy (1964) and Berry College (1968), institutions that shaped the foundation of his character and that he held dear throughout his life. His connection to Berry ran deep — in 2017, he was inducted into the Berry Academy Sports Hall of Fame, a distinction that brought him great pride. He later earned a graduate degree from Purdue University in 1976.

In 1968, Millard answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. Over the course of a distinguished 20-year military career, he served with honor at posts across the country and around the world — including Fort Benning, GA; Bangkok, Thailand; Letterman Army Medical Center in California; Fort Houston, TX; Fort Ord, CA; Fort Campbell, KY; and Fort Bragg, NC. He retired in 1988 at Fort Bragg as a Lieutenant Colonel, having earned the Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. His service was not merely a career — it was a calling he carried with pride for the rest of his life.

Following his retirement from the Army, Millard brought the same dedication to his work with Marriott Management Services, where he served the Northeast United States. In 1998, he and his beloved wife Darlene settled in Bradenton, Florida, building a life full of good food, great company, and cherished memories. In 2025, the two made their way back to Rome, Georgia, becoming residents of The Spires at Berry College — a fitting homecoming for a man who loved Berry deeply.

To know Millard was to love him. He was a jokester with a quick wit, a talented cook who lived to eat and loved to gather people around the table, and an adventurous spirit who found freedom in the skies as a small plane pilot in his earlier years. His ten grandchildren were among his greatest joys, and he never missed a chance to tell them, "I love you with all my heart" — words they will carry with them always. Above all, he was a proud and devoted family man — a role he cherished more than any title or honor.

Millard is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Perri Laney; his children, Christina Schindler (David), Melody McLeod, and Millard Laney III (Sierra); and his ten grandchildren, Noah Schindler, Emmett Schindler, Olivia Schindler, Cameron McLeod, Logan McLeod, Laney McLeod, Lea Laney, Bella Bame, Chase Laney, and Landon Laney.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Laney; his father, Millard Graves Laney, Sr.; his sister, Cliff Laney Anderson; his brother, David Walden Laney; and his sister, Martha Suzanne Laney Chandler.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 12:30 PM at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Berry College, an institution that meant so much to Millard throughout his life. Donations may be made at berry.edu or by using the link below.

A life well lived. A family well loved. A man well remembered.

The Salmon Funeral Home & Crematory Family is honored to serve and care for Mr. Millard Graves Laney, Jr. and his family.