Obituary of Fred Mills

Paul Frederick “Fred” Mills, died on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Sumter SC. Born in Anderson, IN on September 28, 1938, Fred was the son of the late Stanley and Thelma Mills. In 1963, Fred married the love of his life Mildred “Mickey” Ruth White Mills. Together for over 58 years, their life was full of love, trust, travel, fun adventures with their children and grandchildren, cookies, and yard sales. Fred served as a navigator and instructor for the US Airforce for 22 years, stationed in France, the UK, Vietnam, and the Philippines, in addition to various US appointments. Retiring as a Major, he then worked for Union Camp for 15 years. Fred loved woodworking, golf, having yard sales, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. A long-term member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Fred was an active member of the FAHoLo Sunday School Class, spent multiple summers as a team leader at the SC UMC Salkehatchie Summer Service, and was one of the key architects for Trinity’s Living Christmas Story. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Mickey Mills, his parents, Stanley and Thelma Mills, and his brother Eddie Mills of TX. Fred is survived by two daughters, Terry Berry (Todd) of Pinellas Park FL and Denise DuBose (Early) of Sumter, one son, Paul Mills (Caroline) of Greenville, and five grandchildren, Brittany Calhoun, Tyler Calhoun, Paul Calhoun (Krystal), Derek Berry and Shane Berry. Graveside services will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Reginald Thackston officiating followed by full military honors. The family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home prior to the graveside service. Memorials may be made to Crosswell Children’s Home, 11 Crosswell Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.