 MILLS George Earl "Chewy" Mills, passed quietly on Friday, August 3, 2012 at his home following a lengthy illness. Chewy, as he was fondly called by close friends, was born October 18, 1932 in Thorpe, WV. His parents were the late Ethel and Paul Mills. George was reared by his beloved grandparents, Joe and Daisy Joyce. He attended public schools in McDowell County, WV and graduated from Gary District High School. He then entered the United States Army serving in the United States and France. George returned to West Virginia, enrolled in West Virginia State College (University) where he received his degree in Education. George met and married Joyce Ward in 1956. He was deeply devoted to Joyce and they were married for 56 years. They had one child, Edward. They moved to Columbus, OH where George worked for the Columbus Public School System and The Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC) for 32 and 34 years respectively. George was a dedicated and highly respected teacher and coach at Linden McKinley High School. Years after they graduated, many of Mr. Mills' former students returned to him for advice, laughs and to share experiences. During his tenure at Linden McKinley, George was awarded the prestigious Good Apple Award. As coordinator of the Youth Summer Program at DCSC, George received numerous awards for having one of the top youth programs in the United States. In 1962, he was recognized by Vice President Hubert Humphrey for his outstanding work with the youth of Columbus and surrounding areas. Among his many accolades, George was honored by the Linden McKinley Class of 1972 with a scholarship in his name for deserving students of Linden McKinley. As a former decorated basketball player in high school, college, (captain of West Virginia State basketball team), the U. S. Army, and an avid sports fan, he was honored in 2010 as an inductee into the All Black West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Just last month, he attended his high school reunion held at the Renaissance Hotel here in Columbus. He was a long-time member of Centenary United Methodist Church. Predeceased by his parents, grandparents, brother James, and sister Juanita Craft. George is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; son, Edward (Renee); grandsons, Edward, Jr. and Evan; brothers, Edgar (Marie), Harold (Doris), Frederick Maurice (Renee); sister, Jennie (Rudolph) Wilson; sisters-in-law, Barbara Mills, Delores Mills, Carolyn Pace, and Reverend Edwina Burton; a number of nephews, nieces, and friends. Funeral 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at First Church of God, 3480 Refugee Road, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Clarke, Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Ervin Smith, Officiant. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until time of service. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the George E. Mills Scholarship Fund at I Know I Can, 3798 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43213 (this fund is to help Linden McKinley graduates attend college) or to the food pantry at Centenary United Methodist Church. Arrangements by C. D. WHITE & SON FUNERAL HOME, 1217 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Published in The Columbus Dispatch on August 7, 2012
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