David C. Mills, Jr., age 88, originally of Knoxville, passed away at Life Care Center of Morristown on May 4, 2018.
David was born January 21, 1930 to David and Pauline Mills. David professed his faith at an early age. He became a member of Regency Baptist Church and a faithful member. He graduated from Knoxville High School and moved to Florida. He joined the Marines at age 19 and was in the Korean War after which he was honorably discharged. He frequently spoke of the places he visited in the Mediterranean where his ship was stationed and especially Italy. After his discharge he came back to Knoxville and met his lovely wife Barbara Hodge; they were married on July 2, 1955. He began working at South Central Bell as a lineman and advanced in his career; he retired from Bell South in 1987 after 30 years of service. A favorite memory of his was being able to attend UT Football games and sit in the press box, where he made sure the phone lines were working. He and Barbara lived in Huntsville, Alabama for 5 years then returned back to Knoxville. He was transferred to Morristown, Tennessee and then eventually back to Knoxville, where he retired.
David was an avid scratch golfer and played well into his 70’s at Whittle Springs golf course with 3 of his closest friends. He won many accolades in golf including a hole-in-one. David and Barbara lived in Knoxville till 2013 when they moved to Regency Retirement Village in Morristown. David was a devoted husband and father and spent almost 60 years married to his beloved wife. He spent endless hours caring for his wife whom he lost to Alzheimer’s in 2015. He had a total selfless love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Preceding David in death was his lifelong sweetheart Barbara Hodge Mills, parents David and Pauline Mills, grandson Jonathan Dean Mills, great grandson Noah Dean Winstead, brother J.H. Mills, and sister Judy McCall.
He leaves behind his son Dean (Priscilla) Mills, daughter Debbie (A.J.) Hurst, grandchildren Jessica (Marc) McCure, Logan Hurst, Jordan (Justin) Gouldy, and Justin (Brittany) Greene; great grandchildren Haleigh Raye Winstead and Everly Reagan Gouldy; step-grandchildren Colton Greene, Shyanne Livesay, Hunter Livesay; and many other family and friends.
The family wishes to thank Becky Tuttle, the staff and administration at Regency Retirement Village for their love and support the past 5 years. Also, the family wishes to thank Lifecare Center of Morristown and Avalon Hospice for their dedication and support. While we miss David, we know that he is rejoicing in Heaven with our Savoir Jesus Christ, Noah, Jonathan, and his precious wife who he had missed so much.
Family and friends will meet at Greenwood Cemetery by 2:45pm Sunday for a graveside service beginning at 3pm, Rev. Joe Hamlet officiating.