Richard Mills

Richard Lee Mills, 76, of Newberry, passed peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the home of his daughter in Columbia.

Born on March 1, 1947, in Newberry, he was the son of the late Harvey Lee and Doris Dawkins Mills.

He had a longtime career at Kendall Company, Oakland Mill from which he retired after 44 years.

Richard served in the S.C. National Guard, was an avid softball fan and loved fishing.  He was a member of Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church.

With his passing, Richard leaves behind many cherished memories that will forever be in the hearts of his family and friends who survive him.  He is survived by daughters, Deana Mills (R.J. Jackson, Jr.) of Columbia and Holly Mills of Newberry; brothers, Jimmy (Beverly) Mills of Prosperity, Randy (Mary Dawn) Mills of Prosperity and Donnie Mills of Newberry; granddaughters, Whitney Mills of Pomaria and Kayley Harrison of Tennessee; great-grandchildren, LaDarien, Aveon and Treyon Jackson, Drayton Caldwell and Kennley Williams and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by a special friend, Deloris Garland of Newberry, his former wife and lifetime friend, Debbie Mundy of Prosperity and his “partner in crime”, Jerry (Marie) Cohen of Newberry.

He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Brittani Michele Wilson.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home Chapel by Ministers Brandon and Rita Crawford.  Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. The family will be at 111 J.B. Fulmer Court, Newberry.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000.

Active pallbearers will be Wayne Nix, R. J. Jackson, Jr., Scott Cockrell, Tavarous Jackson, Gerald Walker and Jamie Mills.