Milton "Mickey" Alva Mills, 77, of Watha left his earthly life for his eternal rest on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born June 23, 1935 in Watha and was the son of the late Ned Leon Mills, Sr. and Nora Anderson Mills. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruby Matthews Mills and all of his siblings.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his sons, Michael Mills of Durham, Ned Mills of Las Vegas, NV; daughters, Sandra Smith (John) of Wilmington and Faye Worthington (Grover) of Kure Beach; grandchildren, Will Boone (Ilona), Phillip Smith (Tammy), Mikey Boone (Kym), Debbie Smith (Brad) and Paul Mills; great grandchildren, Tracey, Owen, Dyllan, Isaiah, Sequoia, Cadagin, Sean, Maille, Madelynne, Jack and Logan; and numerous extended family and friends who loved Mickey dearly.

Mr. Mills served his country honorably in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Mickey graduated from Penderlea High School in 1952 and from the University of South Carolina in 1958. A retiree from Corning, Inc., Mickey was active in the Quality Control Circle and was noted for finding a better way of accomplishing a means to an end. He was truly a very intelligent and hard working man.

Mickey loved and cared for his family, his church family at Watha United Methodist Church and his community. Being always mindful of others and their needs, he was a man of impeccable integrity and a man of great faith in the Lord. Mickey always loved telling a good joke and sharing his stories with others. A lover and composer of music, Mickey held many copyrights of his original songs. He enjoyed playing trumpet, piano, and singing at this church. His family cherishes the moments he spent with them at family gatherings, trips to the mountains and vacations in Las Vegas with his son, Ned. Mickey leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and faith in God.

Funeral service will be 3:00pm Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Watha United Methodist Church with The Rev. John Fedoronko officiating. Burial will follow in church cemetery with military honors.
Casketbearers will be Lawrence Mills, Phil Mills, Steve Mills, Jerry Mills, Will Boone, Ellis Murphy, Phillip Smith, and Mikey Boone.

The family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m. at the church until hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Watha United Methodist Church, PO Box 224, Watha, NC 28478

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral service will be 3:00pm Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Watha United Methodist Church with The Rev. John Fedoronko officiating. Burial will follow in church cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m. at the church until hour of the service.