Cecil Millikan (Sonny – aka Papa)
Sonny was born in Arkansas in 1943. He was one of 7 children. He had 4 sisters and 1 brother. He moved with his family as a young boy. They relocated to Oviedo, Florida. Here, he was active in little league.
He and his family then moved to Apopka where he spent the rest of his life. While attending high school at Apopka High, Cecil excelled in basketball. He held the record for the highest free throw percentage during a season from 1961 until the early 1970’s.
Sonny met the love of his life in high school. They reconnected after graduation and were married a few years later. Becky was 19 at the time and he was 20. They were married for 53 wonderful years.
In his early 20’s he began working at Ellman battery where he learned the skills that he used until his passing. He opened his own business right here in Apopka in 1975 where he continued to work at least 3 to 4 days a week. It was his life. He loved going to work and never complained. He worked hard to take care of his family. Family was everything to him. Sonny and Becky had two children. Cecil Jr, “Bubba” and Vonni Bruehl. He had a son in law named Darin Bruehl. He was also blessed with 5 grandchildren, Bailee Dumbacher, Hunter Bruehl, Griffin Bruehl, Lillie Bruehl, and Madison Millikan. He was also very proud to see the birth of his first great grandson Brecken in February.
Sonny’s heart was in the water. He was an avid fisherman and Homosassa was his favorite place to be. He was at home and happy when he was on his boat doing what he loved with family and his friends. He also loved to cook, especially for his grandchildren. It made him happy to bring them their favorite foods for the weekends.
Sonny has left his mark in Apopka for his big heart and willingness to help those in his community. Whether it was for a battery or just a laugh, he was always there when you needed him. Everyone had a friend in Sonny.
His favorite saying when he left us all after visiting was, “I’m glad ya got to see me!”
Yes we were Papa! Life won’t be the same without you. Aren’t you glad you got to see him?
In lieu of Flowers the family requests Donations be made to:
Apopka Little League
3200 Jason Dwelley Parkway
Apopka, Florida 32712