Chester Ray Mills

Chester Mills Obituary

Chester Ray Mills, 79, of Salem, Va., passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at his home. He was born on December 30, 1929, in Salem, Va., to the late Chester W. Mills and Lillie B. Mills and was the youngest of seven siblings. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by two sisters, Grace Counts and Juanita Guthrie; and two brothers, Paul Mills and Howard Mills. Ray was a life-long resident of Salem and was retired from the City of Salem where he served as the city's human resources manager. Ray was very proud of his service to the City of Salem and cherished the relationships he had with former and current employees. He was a life-long active member of First Christian Church in Salem where he served the church in many capacities over the years, most notably as Sunday school teacher to the Loyal Daughters Class for 46 years, a distinction of which he was very proud. Ray was a devoted and loyal family man, dedicated employee, and diligent steward of his faith and will be missed by all who knew him. Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth B. Mills; sisters, Edna Bushnell and Louise Crotts; sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Lisa Mills and Joe and Jennifer Mills; daughter and son-inlaw, Sara and David Bell; grandchildren, Terri Mills, Christopher Bell, and Marybeth Mills; special friend, Jerry Sink; and special brother-in-law, Donnie Helton. A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2009, at First Christian Church in Salem by the Rev. Dan Netting and the Rev. Bill Murdock. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at noon and all who knew Ray are invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church Choir or the Topper Franke Memorial Fund established by First Christian Church. Arrangements by Lotz Salem Chapel, 540-389-9208.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Nov. 6 to Nov. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Chester Mills

15 Entries

Ashley Lilly

November 14, 2009

Booty and family,
It's interesting reading through this book that most everyone had some mention of Ray's smile. It was
contageous and if he ever frowned i
was not there to see it.
My many good memories of Salem and of
Front St and the Church always include
Ray; the Barnetts and the Heltons.
Booty, you will best understand the
deep and lasting appreciation we have
for the kind and loving manner which
Ray and yourself extended to my folks
especially Dad, in his final years.
I know how much that meant to him and how greatly he apppreciated the two of you, not just then, but over the years.
My sister Carolyn told me about Ray and
it took me awhile to locate this book
online and know you have lots of good
support there. If we had known earlier
we would have been there too.
Our love back to you,
Ashley and Sue Ann Lilly

Tammy Leonard

November 14, 2009

Dear Aunt Booty and Family,
I am so sorry that I was unable to come in but both mama and myself hoped and prayed that the Good Lord would get us in, but for reasons only He knows, we didn't get to come. My prayers and my thoughts have been with you ever since mama called me. Elinor called me also. I will always remember the last time that you all were at Granny's and mama was there and we had such a good time and I remember the time you came for her birthday. I know Granny was glad to see Uncle Ray although we all will miss him, we will never forget him. I send you my love and give all my love to the family for me. If I can do anything please give me a call!!!! I love you and again would have given anything to be there.
Love Always,
Tammy

Pamela Mills

November 11, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Mark Hartsook

November 9, 2009

We are sorry for your familys loss, may god be with your family in your time of need. our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
student of Jennifer Mills
Mark W Hartsook, Jr

Andrea Roberts Harris

November 9, 2009

Booty, Tim, Sara and Joey,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Ray. My fondest memories of childhood are all from Keesling Avenue with the Mills' and the Thompson's. I tell my daughter a story often of being able to hear Ray laughing from his house to our's. Always in the summertime, sometimes, we could also hear him playing the organ! I remember his joy for life and contagious smile. Keith often called him "Chester" and it always cracked me up. I am sure he would enjoy that now.
I am so glad that I brought my daughter to visit last summer. Caroline still asks me, when we are driving in Salem, "Are we close to Booty and Ray's?", just like it is old hat to her. Funny the things children remember. I remember Ray with a smile and a chuckle. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Pamela Mills

November 9, 2009

Dear Aunt Booty, Tim, Sara, Joey & family,
I just wanted you to know that I tried my best to be there. I also wanted you to know my heart, love, body and soul will be with you today although I physically won't be. My heart and prayers are with the whole family. I said a Rosary for Uncle Ray and the family this morning and lit a candle. I will light another candle at 11:00 am. The family has lost a most bright and shining star and a candle that burned so ever bright, when the Lord called Uncle Ray home for his flame to burn eternally bright!!! Although his candle will not be as bright, by no means has that star or candle been put out!!!! It will forever burn within our hearts, our memories, each time we go tell a story of a time we had with him. God gave Uncle Ray more talents than anyone I ever met!!! Uncle Ray used those God given talents for all the reasons given and gave God the glory and us the blessings from them. Our holidays, reunions and get-togethers were sometimes like a Hollywood production, we had it all, entertainment, gospel, comedy, good food and Uncle Ray and his laughter, if we needed a comedy team, move over "The Three Stooges" enter= Uncle Ray, Daddy and Aunt Grace. Aunt Booty I loved him dearly and in his later years he reminded me and looked so much like Daddy. Uncle Ray and you Aunt Booty molded my life in more positive ways than you will ever know. I now thank God and you for that!!! Pat will be talking to you for me. I will be talking with you soon and with God willing, I will see you even sooner!!! May the Peace and Love of God Be with You All Now and Always. I love you!!!! I love and I will miss you Uncle Ray!!!!
Love Always Your Niece
Pam

Ruth Traficanti

November 8, 2009

Booty, Sara and all of the Mills family, I was so sorry to read of Rays passing. He was a very special person and he will be greatly missed. The Mills family along with Brian Guthrie & my grandaughter, Jenni have had so much sadness & loss in these past 2 years. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Trust in the Lord. I know Ray is in His presence and light. God Bless and comfort all of you. With Love, Ruth Perdue Sturgill Traficanti

DORIS MONTGOMERY

November 7, 2009

BOOTY, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY AT THIS TIME. RAY WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE, DORIS

November 7, 2009

Booty, Sara, Tim, Joey and family,

You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our family thought the world of Ray-he was one of the best people we knew. I have fond memories of Wednesday night Bible study with Ray. He was such a character and his presence will be missed. May the Lord comfort you all during this difficult time.
In Christian Love,
Tami and Al Jennings and family

November 7, 2009

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Mills. When I was a child, he preached at our church. He was an excellent pastor & a very dear sweet person to me growing up.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love,

Deidra (Vass) Castellano
Salem, Virginia

November 7, 2009

Booty and family-you are in my prayers today as I was told that Ray had died. He was very special to my mother and she had kind words for him. I will always remember his wit and a welcoming smile. May you find comfort in time and have beautiful memories. Love to all Connie Crosswhite Sinha

Janet Stallard(Davis)

November 6, 2009

Sara,Mrs Mills,Timmy,Joey and family,
So sorry to read of Mr Mills passing. He was a very nice man and funny. Memories are forever!
Trust the good Lord, he will help you thru this time of sorrow.

Sarah Grubb (McCray)

November 6, 2009

My fondest memories of Ray are the times he and my mom would "fuss" at one another - all in good fun, of course! I remember Vacation Bible School and how much fun we had when he played the piano for all the kids (and the adults, too!). I always envied his skill at the piano. He was such a character! My thoughts and prayers are with Booty and her family. I am sure they are comforted in the knowledge that Ray is resting peacefully in heaven today. God bless you all!

Keith Roberts

November 6, 2009

Bootie, Joey, Sara, Tim and Mills' family,

Dad told me today about Ray's passing. I echo Dad's sentiment that he is in heaven belting out some good organ tunes.

I was saddened to hear of your loss. Even though I have not seen any of you in years, your family provided precious childhood memories to me.

Love,

Keith

Wendy McCauley

November 6, 2009

Ray and Booty are members of the church that I grew up in and I always loved them both. I was so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Terri - if you need anything please let me know.
In God's Love,
Wendy

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