Hiram Millsaps

Earley Hiram “Hiram” Millsaps, 80, of West Point, Mississippi, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, in a Tupelo hospital following an extended illness.

If you knew Hiram Millsaps, you knew two things: he was going to tell you exactly what he thought, and if you needed a helping hand, chances were he'd be the first one there. Obstinate, generous, outspoken, and full of stories, Hiram was a man who lived life on his own terms.

Born September 15, 1946, in Clay County, Mississippi, Hiram was the son of S. L. “Red” Millsaps and Evelyn “Louise” Foster Millsaps. The middle of three children, he grew up alongside his sister, Beth, and brother, Randy. West Point remained his home for most of his life; except for the years he spent serving his country.

A proud United States Marine and Vietnam War Veteran, Hiram served his country from May 5, 1965, until his honorable discharge on October 1, 1969, having attained the rank of Sergeant. His pride in being a Marine stayed with him throughout his life, as did the determination and strong will that were so much a part of who he was.

Hiram wore many hats throughout his life. He drove trucks, worked construction, tended his small farm, and spent countless hours tinkering with anything that needed fixing―or perhaps something that didn't. In his later years, he put those skills to good use helping others with all sorts of handiwork. He was generous with his time and talents, and helping someone in need was simply what he did.

Hiram loved visiting and telling stories, and he seldom met a conversation he couldn't contribute to. He was never one to sugarcoat anything. You always knew exactly where he stood, whether you wanted to or not! He was obstinate, set in his ways, and not particularly quick to forgive. But he was also quick to lend a helping hand, share a story, or wrap someone he loved in a big ole hug. He was a man of contradictions, and those contradictions were part of what made him Hiram.

His family knew another side of that strong-willed Marine. He was affectionate and expressive, always ready with a hug, a kiss on the cheek, or one of the special nicknames he had for those he loved. Glennda was his “Baby” and spent much of her life answering to “Jim.” Cindy was his “Hon,” Gissel was “PeeWee,” and Ismenia was “Little Bit.” Those special names were just one of the many ways he expressed his love. He showed that love not only through words and affection but also through the countless things he did for his family.

Some of his oldest children's fondest memories were made riding down the road with an 8-track tape playing old country music and everyone singing along. Those simple car rides became cherished memories, passing along a love of country music that would last a lifetime.
Hiram's love for his children was evident in the time he devoted to them. When Gissel began kindergarten speaking only Spanish, he spent countless evenings at the kitchen table helping her learn English. As she learned to read, he had her read a chapter aloud each night, helping her with pronunciation and encouraging her to do her best in school. He was there for school events, sports, and the little moments in between, always wanting his children to have every opportunity to succeed.

Some of Gissel's fondest memories were the weekend drives to Kemper County, listening to Daddy tell stories and singing “You Are My Sunshine.” Other afternoons were spent riding around town with him, stopping by Sopranos, visiting family, checking on projects, or simply enjoying being together. Hiram had a saying for just about everything, from “It'll heal before you marry” to “All work and no play makes for a dull girl.” And whenever Gissel asked if he loved her, his answer was usually a laugh followed by, “How much is this going to cost me?” There was never any doubt about how much he loved her. Of all the names Hiram answered to, “Paw” was surely one of his favorites. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and his love for children extended far beyond his own family. He had a heart for children, and there was always room for one more in his life.

Hiram was preceded in death by his parents, S. L. “Red” Millsaps and Evelyn “Louise” Foster Millsaps; his sister, Beth Millsaps Brantley; and his brother, Randy A. Millsaps.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Rita Guzman Millsaps; his children, Cindy Matlock Bobo, Glennda Millsaps Aust, Chuck Millsaps, Gissel Guzman Vandenbranden (Alex), and Ismenia Juarez; and his grandchildren, Brandi Aust Lumpkins (Jeremey), Megan Aust Skaggs (Tommy), Dakota Aust, Dylan Bobo (Olivia), Leah Bobo Robinson (Connor), Jena Bobo Mason (Jackson), Lucas Vandenbranden, Carmen Vandenbranden, and Vincent Vandenbranden.
He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren: Ansley, Easton, and Adalyn Skaggs of Enterprise, Mississippi; Korbin, Bennett, and Wylder Bobo of De Kalb, Mississippi; and Laynie Jack and Marilyn Neil Robinson of De Kalb, Mississippi, with another great-grandchild on the way.

Other surviving family members include his special aunt, Anna Ruth Sims, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point. A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at Cedar Bluff Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery on Henryville Road in Cedar Bluff, Mississippi. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dakota Aust, Dylan Bobo, Tommy Skaggs, Thomas Millsaps, Alex Millsaps, Sam Millsaps, Wes Millsaps, and Garrett Millsaps.

Honorary pallbearers will be Hiram's many cherished friends.

Memorials may be sent to Cedar Bluff Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery, c/o Anna Ruth Sims, 911 Henryville Road, Cedar Bluff, Mississippi 39741.

Hiram was not a perfect man, and he never pretended to be. He was strong-willed, generous, outspoken, affectionate, and fiercely himself. He lived life his way, loved in his own way, and left behind a lifetime of stories worth telling.
And somewhere, there's an old country song playing, a story waiting to be told, and Hiram's voice saying, “I'm just ridin' around lookin' purty!”