William W. Mills

MASHPEE — William W. Mills, 89, died at home on Oct. 25, 2008.

He was the son of Louis and Melissa Coombs Mills, and the beloved husband of Ruby (Mitchell) Mills.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sisters, Alice Hicks of Falmouth and Melissa Melendez of Coto Laurel, Puerto Rico. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard. He leaves daughters, Bonnie Gowdy and her husband Matthew of Waltham, and Cynthia Mills of Mashpee and Ormond Beach Fla.; sons, Paul Mills and William Courtney Mills and his wife Judy of Mashpee. He was the grandfather of four and great-grandfather of five.

He attended grammar school in Mashpee and high school in Falmouth. Before entering the Army in 1942, he had worked at Milia's Restaurant in Mashpee, where he became an accomplished chef. Entering the Army in 1942, he became a staff sergeant, serving in the Pacific theater in New Caledonia and Guam. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Mashpee, where he was employed as a civilian employee of the National Guard and began a long career of service to the community.

Among other positions, he served as constable, town clerk, selectman, and was town moderator for nine years. He was also a Scoutmaster for Mashpee Boy Scout Troop 36, and was active in Lions Club, Power Squadron, Mashpee Wampanoag Rod and Gun (charter member) and the VFW.

A call fireman for years, he became deputy fire chief after retiring from his job with the commonwealth of Massachusetts. He held that position until being appointed chief in 1974. He retired in 1977.

Retiring at 59, William Mills took up fishing as much as possible, a pursuit that filled his off-hours up until that time.

Visiting hour at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, Route 28, in Marstons Mills, will be at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at noon. Burial will follow at the Old Indian Burial Ground in Mashpee. There will be a reception at the Sons of Italy Hall on Route 28 in Cotuit.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Mashpee Fire Dept., in memory of William Mills, c/o Mashpee Firefighters Local 2519, P.O. Box 1975, Mashpee, MA 02649.