William (Bill) Terrell Mills

William (Bill) Terrell Mills, age 87, passed away in his home on June 1^st. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rush and Nell Mills, his brothers Thomas Mills and Martin Mills and his grandson, Taylor White. Surviving Bill is his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Mills, his daughters Lynn Pugh (Chuck), Carol White (Kevin), and Nell Benefield (Randy) and his son Terrell Mills (Benji). Bill also leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

For 48 years Bill lived in Albany, Georgia where he was a market research analyst for the Lilliston Peanut Equipment Manufacturer for many years, then finished out his career as a civil engineer at the Marine Corp Supply Center.  In addition to his commitment to his profession, Bill gave extensively to the community.  He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Albany, where he served multiple terms as a trustee, a Sunday school teacher, recreational organizer and many other functions.  He was also an active member of the Albany Exchange Club, serving on the Pass Committee for many years.  He was recognized in 1994 for his service to the greater Albany community by the Albany Exchange Club when he was given the Book of Golden Deeds Award, which recognizes the unsung heroes of a community that give countless time and energy to help their community.  Through a jail ministry where he taught Emotional Maturity Instruction (EMI), Bill touched the lives of many people as he sought to help lift them up so that they could reach a better place.  He used Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor” as his personal life philosophy.

Bill was an avid, life-long gardener.  He spent much of his youth on a farm and in 2008 he and his wife relocated to Cumming, Georgia to live on the farm of his daughter, Lynn Pugh.  He was a regular member of the farm crew, always finding many things to do, build or repair.  He took great pleasure in preparing the soil and keeping the farm orderly, for the benefit of the many members of the farm community from volunteers to customers.

Bill’s other passion was tennis.  He was always an active person that enjoyed sports, but tennis was his favorite.  He had numerous tennis groups throughout his life, including the senior’s group at Pine Forest Racquet Club in Albany and the Senior Tennis Group at the county recreation department in Forsyth County, Georgia.  Bill continued to play tennis well into his eighties.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Cumming on June 18^th at 11:00.  Everyone is invited to join the family for a light lunch following the service. In lieu of flowers in memory of Bill and celebration of his life, the family requests that donations be made to www.cemproc.org* or http://www.taylorwhite.org/  **

*Center for Mediation, Peace, and Resolution of Conflict founded by William Mills’ grandson Jeff Pugh

**Taylor White Foundation was founded in honor of William Mills’  grandson Taylor White

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA  30040   (770) 886.9899