Robert A. Mills Jr.

Mills Jr.
Robert A. (Bob) Mills, age 94, passed away April 20, 2021. A native of Jacksonville, Bob Mills was a graduate of The Bolles School and served as a Cadet Captain when Bolles was a military school. Bob was also a graduate of The University of Florida with a degree in Business. Bob enlisted in the Army Air Force and in 1945, prior to the end of WWII, was called to duty and served in the Army of Occupation in Tokyo, Japan for 18 months. He returned to Jacksonville and the University to complete formal education and resided in Flavet Village #1 with wife and child. While at the University Bob was initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Bob became a registered real estate broker in 1950, formed his real estate business and shortly thereafter was recalled into the military. He served in the 4th Infantry Division in the Cold War period in Germany and for several years as a First Lieutenant, which included the early structuring of NATO. Bob returned to Jacksonville and established his real estate brokerage and appraisal firm. In 1958, he joined the Independent Life and Accident Company as a mortgage loan officer and later became a company vice president. As a company officer Bob enjoyed the opportunity of serving the community and became a Trustee of The Bolles School, a Shriner and later a Trustee of Morocco Temple and Captain of the Arab Patrol and a Jester. Bob was designated as a Florida Representative to Radio Free Europe in 1966. Bob was active in the American Cancer Society and served as the Florida State President and thereafter an honorary life member of the Florida Board. Bob was elected to the Board of Directors of Southside Atlantic Bank in the early 1960's. He later became a member of the advisory board of the Atlantic Bank, First Union and then Wachovia, retiring from the position at age 70. Bob later became a Successor Trustee of the Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust and a Trustee of her estate. To this day, the Trust continues to serve many charitable organizations and qualified recipients of annual grants in the First Coast region, primarily for the benefit of needy children. In his free time Bob enjoyed tennis and played on the Ponte Vedra Club's Rinky Dink team. Bob also enjoyed many Saturdays playing Gin Rummy with his friends that made up the "investment club". Bob was happily married to his wife of 56 years, Betty Jane, who predeceased him and Fay Osborn Mills, his wife of 15 years who predeceased him. Bob is survived by Robin M. Doyle (Denny), R. Patrick Mills (Sherise) and Anne M. Knight (Desmond), six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. The family wishes to express appreciation for the comfort provided to Bob in his final days to Cypress Village personnel, his caregivers, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and Community Hospice of North Florida.
A private graveside service is planned. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your charity of choice as a memorial to Bob Mills.
Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.
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