Milton Lee Sullivan

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Milton Lee Sullivan, 87, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital in Concord, NC.

Milton was born January 25, 1939, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Millard Lee Sullivan and the late Anna Bisjak Sullivan. He became an Eagle Scout in 1955 and attended Wichita High School East, graduating in 1957. He went on to Wichita State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1962) and a Master's in Mathematics (1971), and later earned an MBA at Marymount University.

Milton served his country for 24 years in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. A member of Army ROTC, he was commissioned into military service at Fort Meade upon graduation from his undergraduate studies. He completed three combat tours with distinction in Vietnam (1967–1968; 1971–1972). Milton continued his military career after Vietnam, teaching at the U.S. Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Fort Hood, Germany, and the Pentagon, where he served on the Department of the Army Staff. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He retired honorably in 1986 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Following his military service, Milt spent 26 years in management consulting, where he had the opportunity to work on a passion project advising military installations on historic preservation.

A lifelong sports fan, Milton was known for his love of the University of Kansas Jayhawks, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Chicago Bulls. In his free time, he enjoyed golf, reading, and coaching his children's sports teams. He was a member of the Masons, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Milt was known for his commanding presence, quick wit, and incredible sense of humor.

The funeral service, with full military honors, will be held Friday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Huntersville, NC. The service will be officiated by Reverend Daisy Colon, with burial following in the church cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will take place following the committal.

He is survived by his wife, Candice J. Sullivan; his four children, Milton II, Daniel, Kathleen, and Joseph; and his two dogs, Phog and Chloe.

In lieu of flowers, the Sullivan family asks that memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.