Kendall "Drew" Mills

Mr. Kendall “Drew” Mills, age 93, of Lumberton, NC passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. A native of Tabor City, he was born to the late Waylon Brice Mills and the late Alma Harrelson Mills. Drew served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from East Carolina University in 1958. While there, Drew met his wife of sixty-eight years, Nancy Lynn McNeill.

He earned his CPA certificate and became an original partner of S. Preston Douglas & Associates accounting firm in Lumberton, where he was employed for fifteen years. He subsequently left for Greenwood, SC, where he worked as Controller for Self Memorial Hospital from 1973-74. He was recruited by Southeastern Regional Medical Center and returned to Lumberton in 1975. His career at SRMC spanned 21 years where he served as Controller, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President, Finance and Treasurer before retiring in 1995. Drew was also active in the community, including The Kiwanis Club of Lumberton and Methodist Men of Chestnut Street Methodist Church.

After retirement, Drew volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was also instrumental in starting the AARP Tax-Aide program in Lumberton. As a financial enthusiast, he participated in several investment clubs. He enjoyed traveling extensively, which included visiting many states and every continent. He also loved spending time with family, particularly annual vacations at Ocean Isle Beach.

Drew is survived by his wife, Nancy McNeill Mills; his three children, Leslie Drew Mills (Carol) of Wake Forest, NC, Laura Beth Snyder (Michael) of Cary, NC and Stuart Gray Mills (Pam) of Knightdale, NC; one brother, Dale Brooks Mills (Linda) of Lexington, SC; one sister, Lana Annette Tompkins (Arthur) of Dillon, SC; six grandchildren, Alec, Kristin, Ashley, David, Austin, and Allison; and many special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Waylon Harrelson Mills.

An informal visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Asbury Hall of Chestnut Street Methodist Church, 200 E. 8th Street, Lumberton, NC. Light refreshments will be served. At 2:30 pm, we will invite anyone who would like to share a favorite memory of Drew to do so at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Kiwanis Club of Robeson-Lumberton or the Methodist Men of Chestnut Street Methodist Church.