WHITAKERS – Robert Lawrence Mills, age 63, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Born in Franklin County, NC on September 16, 1959, he was the son of the late George Washington Mills and Christine Henderson Mills.
Robert was a man of great honor and dedication. Having served his country in the United States Army with the 18th Airborne Corp-Field Artillery 13B. After retiring from years of service with the VA Department of Corrections, Robert continued to be a selfless and giving person. Robert displayed unwavering strength and conviction in all of his endeavors. He was a loving grandfather who always spoiled his grandchildren and never stopped caring for them. Robert enjoyed spending time with his sons, the fellowship of having a cold beverage and riding through the country on the weekends both of which he enjoyed greatly. Robert's love for movies, especially westerns, was well-known, and he took great pride in his beautiful garden.
Robert is survived by his sons, George “Roberts” Mills of Spring Hope, Robert “Lawrence” Mills, II and wife, Leona, of Bowling Green, KY, Phillip Lawrence Mills of Rocky Mount, Steven Mills and wife, Diana Mendoza, of Castalia, and Steve Mills of Castalia; his grandchildren, Robert Lawrence Mills, III, Brooklyn Faye Mills, Justin Mathew Mills, Ayden Mackenzie Mills, Shayla Mills, Hannah Marie Mills, Hunter Matthew Mills, Isabella Mills, Elena Savannah Mills, Chaddix Mills, Austin Mills, Chaston Mills, and Mayla Mills; his brothers, George “Donald” Mills and wife, Darlene, and Samuel “Sam” Lee Mills; his sisters, Patricia “Ann” Mills, Sharon Mills, Carolyn Mills and husband, Butch, and Nannie Mills; mother of his children, Rhonda Faye Mills; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 2:30 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 4531 NC43, Hollister, NC 27844. Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Robert’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
To the Mills family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Ofc. Mills. He was a man of many hats, father, friend,
co-worker, and soldier at heart. There was nothing you couldn’t ask Mills to do that he would not do for you. I especially will miss our talks and the stories he told during his retirement. The sudden shock has taken all of us to a place of sadness but God knew best. Rest in Peace Ofc. R Mills.
Ofc. Mills was an outstanding coworker who always lended a helping hand. He was professional and I am forever grateful to have known him. To the family keep all of the memories y’all have shared deep in your hearts.- L. Smallwood-Reddick
My condolences to the Mills family. A great man he will truly be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Rest in Peace Uncle Robert. – Love your niece Chalandes.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Mills I will miss running into you at the store and having a conversation with you. Rest in Peace my dear friend. S.Lewis
We send out to your family our condolences at this time. God know just how to give you the peace that surpasses all our understanding. Just lean on him and he will not let you fall. I know he will do just what he said. I don’t know him, but my son knows Nan. From Elder Joyce Bullock Ricks and Mother Annie Ellis.
I worked with Robert at Howell Buick. Robert was a great body man and good friend. I know his family will miss him. I remember his sons when they were growing up. I moved to Tennessee when I retired but he will always be remembered.
Condolences to Phill Mills,May GOD give your family strength and peace. AC 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Today, WE pause to pay tribute to a wonder man as well as a wonderful co-worker with a heart of gold. May you rest easy my friend, until we meet again.
Lt. P. Cain and Family from Greensville Correctional Center, Jarratt, Va.
Dear Trustee Patricia and Mills Family,
We would like to express our sincerest sadness at the passing of Brother Robert Lawrence Mills. In this time of great sorrow, please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers.
With love,
Deacon Haywood and Rev. Linda H. Taybron
To the family of Mr. Robert L. Mills my heart goes out to you all. He will be missed he was a man that you could talk to about anything. He always gave good advice when you needed someone to talk to. Rip to my co-worker job well done. Geraldine & Lawrence Edwards
Officer Mills was a sweet and kind man. Every time I saw him while working at Greensville Correctional Center, he always spoke no matter what. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends and DOC family. Thank you for your service Officer R. Mills. Forever in our hearts.
My thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with the family Rest in peace cousin You will truly be missed
I am so sorry to hear of his passing I was a friend of robert and rhonda for years and just doesnt seem posssible, my prayers and thoughts will be with the mills family. He was one of a kind.
A friend asked me just today if I knew him. I said no. After going to this site and seeing it was someone I knew very well but had not seen in years. I often wondered where Robert were. I see he joined the military. I was so sorry to see this. We, my family send our sincerest condolences to the entire family. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Always a very nice person.
OMG! Robert you will truly be missed. I enjoyed seeing you at the Tar River Flea Market on Saturday. We shared a lot of laughs and created lasting memories. My heart is hurt! Rest in paradise my friend.